MORE funding should be available for children wanting to compete at high level sports, says mum of a world champion.

Harry Smallman, 17, of Connah's Quay, will be representing Team England at the Dance World Cup in Portugal next month, however, mum Claire said there does not seem to be much funding available for sports like this.

She told the Leader: "I feel like we are begging but there's just no funding for kids to dance. They are competing at such a high level and there's nothing.

"You want them to compete and represent a country, whether it's England, Ireland Scotland or Wales, but it's hard.

"Harry has actually scored two years on the run for highest solo mark for team England he's achieved that and still no funding.

"He's a world champion. He's the world Acro Solo champion, he's doing really well. It would just be a lot easier financially if there was some help available.

"The majority of funding appears to go to larger sports and there doesn't seem to be much for those wanting to go into dance. Some people don't even know the Dance World Cup exists."

This will be the fourth year the teenager is competing in this competition, having previously been to the likes of Jersey and Germany.

Claire said they have applied for the Community Foundation Endowment Fund every year but they were only successful in receiving it once.

She added: "We got the funding once, but we apply every year because he wants to keep competing.

"That's all there really is, or that's all we're aware of. There's that many people that apply, the demand is exceptionally high so that's it really.

"Cash is limited for everyone at the moment but there is a lack of funding for children in general, not just Harry, to be able to compete.

"The lack of funding can stop people competing, financially it's difficult, you have to think if you can genuinely afford it. You then run the risk of upsetting your child who wants to compete for the country but financially its that balancing act.

"There's single parents trying to do it as well and it's just one of those things."

Harry has previously competed on new television show The Greatest Dancer, with dance partner Eleiyah Navis.

The teenager attends college in Liverpool - Jelli Studios, to follow his dream of dancing.

Claire said: "Any sponsors would be great. He trains in Liverpool so we travel there everyday and it all adds up.

"I don't want people to think we are begging, we both work full-time and we sacrifice our personal holidays.

"This is the only trip we take every year. We aren't asking for help to then go on a luxury holiday, this is all we can afford to do."

Anyone wishing to show support for Harry can donate through Claire Smallman's Facebook Fundraiser.