TEENAGER Sam Clarkson has been praised for his dedication as a volunteer at Wallingford Rugby Club.

Since January, the 17-year-old has clocked up 55 hours of voluntary coaching at the Wallingford Sports Park club.

He is also part of Premiership team Wasps' youth set-up and volunteers at his childhood rugby club as well as with a local charity.

Mr Clarkson started playing for Wallingford RFC three years ago, joining a side that went on to win the county competition two years in a row.

The club recognised Mr Clarkson's potential straight away, quickly progressing him through the ranks to become a member of the senior development squad, and he was soon participating in the club’s senior training sessions.

The teenager's performances put him on the radar of Wasps and he could become a professional player next year.

He said: "In the same week that I made my debut for the senior team I got called up by the Wasps U17 Academy.

"I put it all down to the coaches at Wallingford RFC who really pushed me forward and showed me what rugby was.

"After all the club has done to help support me and get me to this point, it is only fair for me to give back what they have given to me."

Mr Clarkson spoke to his former coach Richard Jenkins last summer and asked if he could help with the U16s.

He added: "The step-up from U16 to senior development squad is a bit of a jump and so I wanted to help get the kids prepared for it by teaching them line out and things they will all be doing next year."

Mr Jenkins said teenager's impact at the club since becoming a volunteer coach has been impressive.

He added: "I was sceptical at first as Sam was only a year older than the squad and I wasn’t sure how they would react having been coached by a bunch of 40-something ex-players.

"After the first session with Sam that scepticism was blown away.

"He led the coaching session from the front and the squad responded very positively to having one of their near-peers working with them, his energy, drive and focus was infectious - it's volunteering of the highest order.

Mr Clarkson is also an RFU Young Rugby Ambassador, recently taking part in a pledge to help grow and promote the game as part of the #iwill campaign, led by Step Up to Serve.

As a volunteer for OSCAR's paediatric brain tumour charity, he supports children who have suffered from brain and spinal tumours.

Mr Clarkson said: "It’s a great support network for the kids as it shows them that, even though you have suffered brain cancer, you can still go on to lead a normal life."

The ultimate aim for the young player is to play rugby professionally, but he is also committed to continuing his work as a volunteer.

He said: "The best thing to do is to go out into your local community and offer support for those looking to forge a path in rugby."