INVERCLYDE’S young sports ambassador is settling into his new role with relish.

Rhys McCole, who is 15, is the first person from the area to be selected for SportScotland’s Young People’s Sports Panel.

The talented Greenock boxer, who battles autism, learning difficulties and asthma, was delighted to be chosen.

Rhys’s carer James Houten said: “It will be a very busy two years for Rhys, but he is really keen to help promote the role. Rhys would like to help promote Inverclyde and make other people aware of what is going on in young people’s sports and the opportunities out there. 

“He’s really enjoying the experience meeting like-minded people from around the country.”

Rhys has already had a meeting with the minister for public health and sport Aileen Campbell, and had a look behind the scenes at SportsScotland’s headquarters in Glasgow.

He also took part in a question and answer session about community sports hubs at Loch Leven Campus in Kinross.

Also on the agenda next month is a young ambassadors’ conference at Hampden Park, and he will help select the finalists for the coaching, volunteering and officiating awards at House of Sport in Edinburgh.