A FOOTBALL-MAD Shepherd's Bush teenager has won a borough-wide search for a young future sports star.

Dominic Toussaint, of White City Estate, was nominated for the West 12 Shopping Centre's Search for a Youth Sports Star 2012 competition by his PE teacher at Henry Compton School, in Fulham.

The 13-year-old, who has captained his school football team for three years, was at the centre on Saturday to pick up his £500 cash prize to go towards sports kit and training.

Dominic has used sport as a way of keeping out of trouble with many of his peers finding themselves excluded from school and getting themselves in to trouble.

His guardian Patricia Gaffie said: “I am so proud of Dominic. He has always loved sport, especially football, and over the years has worked hard to develop his skills.

“The sports bursary from West 12 has given him such a great confidence boost to continue with his love for football and he plans on buying a brand-new kit complete with football boots.”

Nessir Emadi, the PE teacher who nominated the teenager, said: “Dominic is possibly one of the nicest young men you can meet. He never gives up and is a natural-born leader and motivator who is an example to all pupils in the school.

“He stayed out of trouble and has represented the school in just about every sport we do and does it so well.”

The competition was opened to under 18s in Hammersmith and Fulham with youngsters nominated by their teacher, parent, friend or coach.

It is part of the centre's drive to get more youngsters active with sporting workshops also held on Saturday including sprinting and relay races with sports kit also handed out to winning youngsters.

Gavin Waller, centre manager, said: “Congratulations to Dominic for winning our competition. It was a great pleasure to present him with his prize and to meet his family.

“We had so many brilliant entries but it was Dominic's passion for sport that made him a deserving winner. I hope everyone who visited the shopping centre over the weekend enjoyed the free sports workshops available and well done to Dominic who also managed to beat our goalkeeper too.”