Young local sporting talent has once again been recognised by the Caterham Rotary Club. The annual Rotary Sporting Excellence Award ceremony was held recently at the Surrey National Golf Club in Chaldon.

Outright winner was 14-year-old de Stafford School student Ellis Legg from Caterham Valley who was awarded £200 together with a special certificate. He is an outstanding goalkeeper and is on the books of Championship Club Brighton & Hove Albion (having previously been in soccer academies at Fulham FC and AFC Wimbledon) and trains with them 3 days a week.

Over the last three years Ellis has been rated as the best young goalkeeper in Surrey for his age group. He currently plays for Whyteleafe Football Club and also coaches young goalkeepers from ages 5 to 14.

He has also represented his school in athletics, rugby as well as football.   His sports teacher Paul Harris commented “Ellis was pivotal in our district cup victory in Year 7, making many close range dynamic saves and keeping many clean sheets. His is a helpful and self-motivated young man who has given freely of his time to develop younger players.”

Joint Runners up were 14 year olds Olivia Foster from Woldingham Girls School and Billy Minchella – Cochran from de Stafford School. Both received special certificates and cheques for £150.

Olivia is the holder (for her age group) of the British Independent Schools’ Giant Slalom competition from Prep School to the present and has was selected for the U14 England Alpine Squad. In 2015 she represented GB in the International Children’s races. She is also a very talented hockey and rounders player.

Billy competes in swimming at both Surrey and National levels and was selected for the GB Elite Training squad from this September. He trains 6 times a week. In addition he has been selected to run for the District in the Surrey Athletics events.  Billy also finds time in the Summer months to play cricket for de Stafford and Caterham Cricket Club.

 Chairman of the judges Rotarian Geraint Jenkins commented: “There was an extremely high standard of entries this year. It was not an easy task for the three judges to select the outright winner and the two runner up awards. We are delighted to have been able to recognise such talented young people and to reward them for their achievements.  We wish them continuing success in their future sporting endeavours.”