News
Taking the game to the streets
Published by Simon Head on February 1, 2008
Skateboarding, BMX, In-Line Skating (or Rollerblading to you and me) – they’re all what you might call “street” sports. Basketball and even football are played on the streets too, with councils building special caged areas for youngsters to play street sports. It’s something I heartily approve of, as with the playing fields of the country seemingly fast disappearing, the youngsters of today need somewhere to let off steam and have some fun.
One “sport” that seems to be on the up and up is an activity that will help to improve fitness, flexibility, discipline and concentration, not to mention pure ability on the ball – and that’s Football Freestyling. Known back in my day as “keepy-uppy”, the simple kick ups and knee-ups have been joined by moves like the Around the World, the Inside Guardiola and the Neck Catch.
Just watching these guys in action leaves you blown away by the sheer skill and dedication these guys have for their art.
I had the pleasure of working with one of the best, Billy Wingrove, back in the summer of 2007. A truly down-to-earth guy with no ego at all, he was not only a top bloke, but he was also jaw-droppingly skilful when you threw him a football.
There are a few vids on his MySpace, but his best one so far is the film he shot for Nike’s Joga Bonito campaign, where he plays keepy uppy with Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the legend that is Ronaldinho. Not bad work if you can get it. Check it out…
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