Little Hay Golf Club’s Jake Conroy, who champions junior and disability golf, has won England Golf’s young volunteer of the year award.

The 19-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, spends much of his time volunteering which led to his selection for the National Youth Sport Trust’s ‘Step into Sport Camp 2012’.

He subsequently became a sports ambassador for Hertfordshire, acting as a role model for competing athletes.

Conroy has played since he was eight and said: “I love golf and the best thing about the sport is that anyone can play golf.

“I didn’t ever expect to get anything for volunteering. I enjoy doing it and I get a massive buzz from it. It’s good to see people with smiles on their faces.

“I’ve met different people from different backgrounds of life, it’s improved my communication skills and made me more confident.”

Conroy has volunteered at Little Hay since he was 14. Two years ago he began coaching primary school children and he is currently volunteering with The Golf Trust, a Hertfordshire and London-based charity, which delivers inclusive golf sessions in schools, including those for students with special needs, the community and at events.

He has been a member of the England Golf youth panel for the past 18 months and has been pleased to impart his opinion.

He added: “I’ve been able to influence the game of golf not just from the junior point of view but from the disabled point of view as well.”

Meanwhile, Little Hay held their Charity Cup competition which was won by Caroline Banks with 43 points. Tony Hodson was victorious in the senior stableford event.