John Farnworth

John Farnworth was born in Longridge, and grew up in Preston. He apprenticed as footballer in the youth teams of Preston North End, yet John is a Manchester United supporter.

Farnworth's grandfather was a defender at Accrington Stanley, and his father formerly played for Burnley.

At the age of 14, he read Simon Clifford's Learn to play the Brazilian Way and, giving up professional football aspirations, started to practice the freestyle skills that were illustrated in the book. After a year of training, Farnworth joined one of the Clifford-franchised Brazilian Soccer Schools, in Manchester. The schools' Futebol de Salão use a size-two weighted ball which aids and improves skilful play.

He went to St Cecilia's School in Longridge where he performed at every opportunity he got.

John tried out for the Burnley youth team where they told him he was not good enough and then he began to start performing tricks.

In 2004, John Farnworth met with football performer Mr Woo who invited him to his exhibition contest in London, which Farnworth won through the guidance of David Ward. The win brought him media exposure in the United Kingdom and abroad and Farnworth started touring, exhibiting his skills. In December 2006, he competed in the "Masters of The Game" tournament and won by defeating his teacher and idol Mr Woo.

He is now a freestyle professional, participating in exhibitions, openings of soccer schools, sports games entertainment and various contests. He is also involved in coaching, corporate events and TV advertisements, he has also recently won the eurobac beating many of the best freestylers around the world.

He appeared in the Huddersfield Town 2009/2010 kit commercial alongside other players from the squad and has been a part of the halftime entertainment a few times as well.

Farnworth participated in the 2009 series of Britain's Got Talent, where he passed the first round, but failed to make it to the live semi finals.

In 2010 he appeared as a mystery guest on Russell Howard's Good News and in 2011 he ran the London Marathon and now holds the record for successfully completing the race whilst doing continuous kickups.

Farnworth also makes guest appearances appears on Match of the Day Kickabout, showing his skills and tricks.