His passion for football has inspired scores of aspiring sports stars.

Nicolas Desmars gives up hours every week to train 12 to 25-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of the Sports For Youth scheme.  And he provides a role model for the youngsters, both on and off the pitch.  Nicolas, of Westgate Court off Newcastle's Westgate Road, has worked with over 150 children in the past three years.

Every weekend the qualified FA coach works with young footballers at Westgate Community Sports Centre, and also manages the under 17 and over 18 Northumberland teams.

Bee Adeyeba, who nominated him, said:

"Everybody who meets Nico comes away with a feeling that the world can and should be a lovely place, where giving is not about expecting something in return.

"He is renowned for his commitment, dedication and motivation to make people succeed. For Nico, it is all about treating young people with respect and seeing them grow and develop.

"Apart from the four hours on the ptch, he also spends several hours being a mentor and positive role models for the young people he works with.

"Nico recently moved to the North East as one of the newer population making Newcastle a more diverse and inclusive society.

"Although French was his main language, he quickly mastered the English language and now speak fluent English."