Young South Shields champ challenging stereotypes as he is chosen to represent Team England in Dance World Cup

Max Walton, 11, of Foxglove Court, South Shields, has been selected to represent Team England at the Dance World Cup in Rome later this year.

The Ashley Primary School pupil, who has been dancing for six years, already has a number of titles under his belt, including performing at the British Championships and treading the boards in local panto.

Now he is preparing to compete in a total of 13 dances including two solo categories, two duets and eight group dances in the international competition in June 2020.

He will be joined by around 50 of his fellow students, including his sister Saoirse, 14, from Hartlepool and South Tyneside-based performing arts school, Val Armstrong, where he currently trains seven days a week.

Max and Saoirse’s family have launched a Go Fund Me page to help raise £500 to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, uniform and entry fees to the competition.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for Max to represent his country, but dancing is a really underfunded sport, especially for boys,” said mum, Samantha Walton, 33.

“It’s been a pretty big financial strain for us and a huge commitment for the whole family but one that we do because we are so proud of him.”

Max, who dreams of becoming a dance teacher when he’s older, has faced criticism for his choice of sport, but hasn’t let it phase him, says Samantha.

“In his last dance school he was the only boy, he didn’t have anyone to look up to,” she continued.

“He has come across other young people who don’t understand why a boy would choose to dance instead of playing football, but he’s confident enough to not let it bother him.”

Max is also appealing to local businesses to sponsor him, with opportunities to display company logos on his uniform and England flag.

Samantha added: “He’s so excited he can’t wait - and hopefully he’ll come home with some gold medals.”

You can donate and get in touch here.