AN ALTRINCHAM teenager has been heralded one of the best young sports commentators in the UK.

Bruno Quinney, aged 15, was one of just 15 youngsters to be shortlisted from across the country for BBC Five Live’s Young Commentator of the Year award.

Although the Manchester Grammar School (MGS) student did not win the competition, after his achievement he now has his sights set on a career as a football commentator or even a chat show host.

He said: “When I found out I had been shortlisted I was extremely pleased - To be shortlisted in a national competition in which thousands entered is great, and the fact that people liked my commentary skills is even better.

"I’m sure that if I work hard and keep my ears open people will hear my name linked to this sort of thing again – hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

“One of the good things about making the shortlist was that the judges provided me with tips on how I can improve for the future. They said they loved my clip and my voice but in my full clip I sounded like a presenter too much at times, which I can work and build on to improve my skills.”

Bruno’s interest in commentary was sparked a few years ago, when he would re-watch programmes like Match of the Day and commentate over them. But his real passion lies in radio commentary.

He regularly listens to BBC Five Live and TalkSport to tune in to football games, especially Chelsea – the team he supports – and pick up phrases he likes which he can turn into his own commentary.

Bruno also produces a football podcast called ‘Kick Off’ with his friend, which is broadcast on MGS’s school radio station. It features interviews and discussions about topical football issues.

He added: “The hard thing about commentary is that it cannot be scripted. It is always instinctive and you have to paint a picture for the audience so that it can be understood – which is one of the reasons why I enjoy it so much.

“One day I’d love to work at somewhere like BBC Radio Five Live or even on television, presenting my own show. I’m sure it would always be based around sport in some way but I am certainly open to developing my skills for things like chat shows.”