YOUNGSTERS got a real kick out of a visit from a top football freestyler.

John Farnworth put on a training session and showcased his silky skills for a group of 40 football-mad youngsters.

He teamed up with Bolton’s Football 1st Academy to put on the awe-inspiring demonstration at St Joseph’s RC High School, in Chorley New Road, Horwich.

A group of budding young footballers aged from five to 13 went along hoping to pick up some expert tips and improve their own ball skills.

Greg Dean, academy director and head coach, said the star had been a big hit.

“It went really well,” he said. “He taught some different flicks and tricks to the children, just trying to inspire them to try things that are a little bit different.”

Ball wizard Mr Farnworth, who has performed his skills alongside the likes of Bolton legend Jay Jay Okocha and Brazilian superstar Neymar, put on a 25-minute display of his most awe-inspiring trickery.

Mr Dean added: “The kids sat down and all the parents sat around and watched him. It was good for the kids to see what can be done with a football if you practise.

“They all had smiles on their faces. They really, really enjoyed what John was asking them to do – and what we were asking them to do.

“John would show them first and we had staff going around helping them to achieve and get better. They absolutely loved it, it was something different and something different for the area as well.”

The difficulty the skills the young footballers were asked to master were different depending on their age.

Mr Dean said: “He gave the older ones a bit more advanced things to practise.”

Football 1st Academy has development centres in Horwich and Chorley and also holds holiday courses and football birthday parties.

Mr Dean recommended 31-year-old Mr Farnworth, from Lancashire, as a freestyler to a parent who was looking to book one for a child’s birthday party.

And from there Mr Farnworth decided he wanted to get involved with Football 1st Academy and work with them in the Bolton area.

“We are well known for what we do because we deliver quality with our holiday courses, birthday parties and development centres,” said Mr Dean.

It looks as though it will not be the last time Mr Farnworth and Football 1st Academy will be teaming up.

Mr Dean added: “We are going to be looking to do some more things with John in future.

“It just inspires kids, tand he can do things with a football I certainly can’t.”

To find out more about Football 1st Academy visit football1stacademy.co.uk or call 07712 667 500.