Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund support ensures fantastic experience in Italy for England youngster Rees-Tomkins

The 15-year-old was one of seven recipients of a monetary award that will go towards ongoing costs incurred by playing the game all year around. 

Some of that cash has already been put to good use as Weymouth player Tali flew out to Poredenone, Italy to play in the Cornacchia Winter Cup last month, taking on the likes of Czechia, Italy, Japan, Germany and Egypt. 

But it will also support the setter to continue his volleyball education this summer, helping to pay for entry into summer beach events as well as indoor camps and other commitments. 

“To have this support from the Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund has been really helpful,” said Sam. “We had been struggling to get together the funds needed for Tali to go on the Cornacchia trip, so this came at the perfect time. 

“We stretch ourselves to try to make it happen, but there can be lots of costs involved, just as in lots of sports, such as event fees, camps, travel and trips. It is expensive, particularly as we are not a high-income family. 

“We feel like we are always on the edge with the cost, even though grandparents help out where they can, but this has taken the pressure off. 

“For Tali to be able to go to Italy was fantastic for him, experiencing what it’s like to travel overseas with your country.  

“You don’t want anyone to be able to miss out on that because they can’t afford it – and there are probably families who have less to spend on this than us. 

“It’s brilliant now that we can get help so that teams are picked on who are the best players. I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply in the future.” 

Tali first got into volleyball through the television series Haikyuu, which he and his friend enjoyed watching, and he soon went along to a club in Bristol. 

After moving to Bridport in Devon, he maintained his passion for the sport and soon joined Weymouth, where he plays his club volleyball. 

Sam added: “Tali was only young in the U18 squad and is looking to develop his game and get out playing on the beach this summer. 

“He’s absolutely loved being part of the England team, with such a nice set of players, and he can’t wait to continue his journey in volleyball.” 

 
Help the next generation of volleyball players 

The Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund was set up by Volleyball England in partnership with the Volleyball England Foundation to support athletes and their families who face financial hardship as a direct result of participating in talent programmes.

It is named after England’s record caps holder – she played 176 times between 1973 and 1987 – who is keen to add her support to a venture where the aim is to ensure no athlete is excluded from the pathway due to financial constraints. 

If you are a business, organisation or individual who is inspired by Tali’s story, donations to the Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund are most welcome.

You can donate via the fund’s Just Giving page – where you can add Gift Aid – set up by the Volleyball England Foundation, which can be found here. 

Apply for athlete support in the next Ann Jarvis Hardship Fund window  

The next window will open in April/May for talented beach athletes, following the first window, which was for indoor athletes, in December. Young talented athletes working towards the GB sitting volleyball programme can also apply. 

For full details on the application process, please click here to view the guidance document.   

Volleyball England will publicise exactly when the next window will open closer to the time, both on its website and through social media channels.  

 
Further information for clubs  

New guidance on how clubs can create their own hardship funds is now available on the Volleyball England Club Hub.