KARATE talent Tom Canham is facing a race against time to secure the funding required for him to represent England at the European Karate Championships in Italy next February.

KARATE talent Tom Canham is facing a race against time to secure the funding required for him to represent England at the European Karate Championships in Italy next February.

With Sport England still suspending all funding to Karate England after an investigation into their spending last year, all national squad members are currently required to self-fund their trips abroad.

Ipswich's Canham, 19, was informed of his selection for both the men's and under-21 squads for next February's European Karate Championships in Triste, Italy, after trials on Sunday.

However, he was immediately informed he would have to find the money required for the trip by December 20 if he was to compete.

That now gives Canham just a week to come up with £700 or he will be unable to represent his country.

Canham said: “The whole situation is ridiculous, I can't believe we are still in the same situation with the finances that we were a year ago.

“I've already had to self-finance a karate trip to Turkey this year, while the World Championships are due to take place in Japan next year.”

Canham trains with the Atlas Karate Club in Martlesham, where he also coaches the club's young pupils.

A 1st Dan since the age of ten, Canham has represented the senior England team on two occasions previously at the under 65kg category.

To help the potential future Olympic Games competitor, please contact him on: 07825617825 or e-mail: tom_canham@hotmail.com.

Canham added: “I would just like to thank the company that made my most recent trip possible, Macmillan and Wright Ltd Construction.