Volleyball player Maxime Carolan has been picked to represent England at the Under-19 Cornacchia World Cup in Italy.

At just 15, the Meopham teenager will be the youngest member of the squad travelling to Venice for the tournament in April.

“It’s one of the biggest tournaments,” said proud mum Sophie Henry.

“It’s a really big deal for Maxime to get picked.

“He’s the youngest in the team, as he was for the Under-17 Nevza tournament in Denmark last year, so he’s used to that.

“The Nevza was for teams in northern Europe (England finished fifth) but this is worldwide. He’s really looking forward to it.”

Carolan is midway through a six-week recovery from an upper-leg injury sustained on England duty, with an MRI identifying a small tear in his quad tendon.

His rehab is on track, thanks in no small part to PE staff Simon Burton, Mark Robinson and Jacob Shailes at Gravesend Grammar School, who have put a programme in place for him.

So while classmates are on games lessons, Carolan works in the gym with Shailes, who is the school’s athletic development coach.

“The support he’s had from the school is absolutely unbelievable,” said Sophie.

“To help him back on his feet the way they have, I’ve never heard of anything like it.

“He’s lucky to have such a good team around him.

“Injuries are part of being an athlete but he’s recovering so well.

“The way he’s handling the situation is amazing. He’s such a positive person.

“He’s certainly not letting the injury stop him, trust me.

“He’s been training and working on every part of his body that he can without taking any risks.”