Finn Chalkley-Beales, a 17-year-old volleyball player from West Bridgford, has been selected to play for England at both Under 19 and Under 22 level.
Finn, who is on the Volleyball England talent pathway, played for England in an international competition in Denmark last year. He has also played with the England U22’s in Belfast, competed in Italy during the Cornacchia cup and his U16s team won the Volleyball National cup last year.
Finn is now studying for a BTec in Sports Science at Loughborough College, and his aim is to secure a place at an American University on a full scholarship and to become a professional volleyball player.
He has been selected for England’s U19 team for the Northern Europe Zone Volleyball Association (NEVZA) competition in the Faroe Islands, due to take place towards the end of October. The competition in the Faroe Islands is the first round of a Europe wide competition, so if they are successful there will be a further trip, though hopefully to a cheaper country!
Finn has also just found out that he has been selected for England, to play in South Korea in January, in a major international competition.
Unfortunately, there is very little funding for volleyball in the UK. All of his training, kit, shoes, trips, club fees and matches are paid for by his parents.
Finn was awarded a Sports Aid grant of £1,000 at the beginning of the year. However, Sports Aid award grants and then fundraise for the promised money. With it being an Olympic year, they had run out of money before it came to Finn, so he didn’t get any funding.
He was, however awarded £125 at the beginning of the year by Rushcliffe Borough Council, which was fantastic. This paid for a new pair of volleyball shoes but, as he has played so much, these now need replacing.
Finn is now looking for sponsors and funders to support him with his volleyball ambitions. His mum has set up a GoFundme. This reached its initial target but this has now been increased due to the additional £1,000 of the South Korea trip.
If you would like to support Finn, the link is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/rg3p2e-finns-fundraiser or if you would like to consider longer-term sponsorship or promotion, please email [email protected]
Finn is well on his way to playing for his country at a senior international level and any support would be so appreciated.