A WORLD record breaking freestyle footballer is bringing his flicks and tricks to Barnsley Academy after his successful taster sessions.
Ash Randall, who holds 20 world records in freestyle football, is teaching four freestyling sessions throughout January, after a successful turn-out at his taster sessions last year.
A freestyle footballer performs technical tricks with the football including neck catches and toe bounces as a way of controlling the ball.
Over the course of the four sessions, children aged eight to 12 will be able to perform skilled tricks and improve technique.
“I started the freestyle football sessions as there doesn’t seem to be anything quite like it out there,” said Ash.
“The interest in freestyle football is growing rapidly around the world and its online presence is constantly increasing.
“I thought I’d start up some sessions so I can personally pass on tips that I’ve picked up over the last 14 years freestyling to a new generation of budding footballers and freestylers.
“We won’t be doing any shooting, passing or football matches, it is a fantastic opportunity for the kids to concentrate on their ball mastery techniques.
“The skills can be difficult to learn, some take days, weeks, months and in some cases years to perfect a new skill, but this is the kind of dedication you need to bring out the best in yourself.
“It’s not necessarily about being better than anyone else, it’s about exploring creativity with a football and developing your own style that suits you and having fun with it.
“It will make these young footballers step out of their comfort zone of just playing football, they will be able to open their mind and explore many creative avenues using a football and realise they can do so much more with it.”
The next session is on Wednesday from 5.30pm at Barnsley Academy.
For more information or to book a place, visit the Freestyle Football Academy Facebook page.
