The 17-year-old Cavendish Sixth Form pupil is one of 250 emerging Brits that will receive £1,000 each year in the run up to London 2012 from the TSB Local Heroes scheme.

Matthew – who plies his trade for London-based club Aspire Force – will also benefit from the knowhow of mentors including former Paralympic basketball bronze medallist Ade Adepitan.

And after watching hero Terry Bywater and co come away from Beijing with a second successive bronze, Calverley is looking forward to tasting his own success in four years time.

"The funding is great for me," he said. "The team I play for at Aspire Force were promoted last year so I've really had to step things up in terms of training and equipment.

"I played at under-19 level for Great Britain in May and that was a fantastic opportunity for me to have.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to play against foreign countries and test yourself against people from different backgrounds.

"I watched the guys in Beijing and it was fantastic to see the guys pick up a bronze. They are a real inspiration and I hope I can be there one day."

"I'm planning to try and make myself a part of the squad for London 2012 – that's the ultimate goal."

Matthew shares the court at Aspire force with female Paralympians Helen Turner and fellow Hertfordshire ace Helen Freeman who helped Great Britain to an eighth place finish in China.

And Adepitan – who claimed bronze four years ago in Athens – is predicting a golden future for Calverley.

"There is a lot of money in sport now through the lottery but Matthew isn't quite good enough just yet to take full advantage," he said.

"He still makes a huge commitment in time and money in order to do what he does and he doesn't get a lot back. This relieves a bit of pressure and gives him a boost.

"Sport can be lonely so when someone comes along and believes in you enough to give you £1,000 it makes you realise you will make it after all."

Mum Jenny added: "Years ago people from all over Hemel for him to go to Hungary and have specialist treatment.

"Just look at him now - you could right a book about everything he has achieved."

Lloyds TSB is providing up to £1,000 to 250 emerging young sportspeople each year across Britain in the run up to London 2012 and beyond.
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