Not everyone gets to do what they love for a living, but John Farnworth has made it a reality.  John is a world champion freestyle footballer and retains 4 world records.  He has arrived at the Homeless World Cup to see what it's all about, have some fun and show off his amazing talent.

John, 23, grew up playing football in Preston, England during his early adolescent years.  But when he was 16 he found a new calling - freestyling.  He was inspired after watching some amazing tricks in a freestyling show in the UK and decided he would give it a go. It took thousands of hours of daily training by himself and after 3 years of practise, it was time to turn his hobby into a profession.

He is now a partner with Soccerade - a natural sports drink company that is promoting freestyling as a way of bringing back the skill and talent into the football in an entertaining fashion.  Soccerade are starting to make an ultimate dream team from 11 area of the UK to perform and compete in the international arena.  John has the great job of being an ambassador for young people to show them tricks and bring back the skill with the football.  He also performs as half time entertainment at events internationally as well as for companies, music and video clips and advertising.

At the Homeless World Cup,  he is performing, demonstrating, watching and mingling.  John has previously heard of the Cup but is honoured to be here and soaking up the atmosphere. "It is humbling to see the players play with respect - moreso than regular football." Likewise, many players and spectators are humbled to be in John's presence and are loving watching him perform. Kenny, a volunteer at the tournament said "As a football fan, I can appreciate how hard these tricks are.  It is amazing to watch."

Particualrly impressive are his variety of tricks, including the tricks which he retains the 4 world records for.  Fristly there's the round the world trick where he did 85 in a minute.  Then there's the face rolls where he did 553, plus the shin and heel juggles where he managed 102 and 133 per minute respectively.  John has no particular favourite trick, but loves and practises them all.  John's hope for the future is to create even more of a name for himself and "be the best I can be."

Keren Tuch