Barker-Klein, who is 19 and lives in Nottingham, took up the sport aged four and has gone on to accumulate hundreds of medals.

However, cost is one of the pitfalls of the sport, with Barker-Klein needing to cover all his travel and accommodation expenses himself.

Dad Mark insists finding a sponsor is key to Barker-Klein progressing in the senior division of the sport and he insists his son has the technique and tenacity to become a world champion.

“I’ve followed Joel’s journey every step of the way,” said Mark. “But since winning the All England title in 2012, it’s been hard to progress as he receives no financial support.

“Joel has great tenacity and is capable of beating opponents twice his size. He’s trained by former world champion Aiden Tremble and is learning from the best in the business.

“He’s won 17 individual gold medals so far and we hope he can go on to bigger and better things.”