You vs GWR: master this freestyle football trick and break a world record!

Are you a football fan?

Our book Football Edition 2027 is out NOW – and it showcases all the greatest teams, the most prolific goal scorers, the fastest strikes, the highest-scoring matches and much, much more!

And to celebrate, we have a challenge for you: can you break this world record?

• Fastest FREESTYLE 7 football trick (under 16s)

If you’re under 16 years of age and think you have what it takes to become the next football freestyle champion, then this record is for you.

Oh, and we asked freestyle ace Isabel Wilkins to walk you through the steps, so you can learn from the best!

19-year-old Isabel Wilkins turned to freestyle during the COVID-19 lockdown, honing her skills in the back garden of her home.

Her first pro tournament was the 2023 Super Ball World Open, which she won when she was just 15 years and 347 days old, becoming the youngest freestyle football world champion!

Since then, Isabel’s freestyle skills earned her multiple GWR titles. In 2024, she broke 4 records in a single day, including the most women’s hop-the-world tricks in 30 seconds – 47. WOW!

So here are her instructions to smash the FREESTYLE 7 trick:

1. Begin with the ball on the ground. Use your knee to roll it forward in the direction of your feet as you move into a seated position (see picture above).

2. Control the rolling ball between both of your feet. Toss the ball up into the air (see below) and catch it between your knees.

3. With the ball secured between your knees, place your weight on one hand and begin to rotate yourself into a standing position (see below).

4. Make sure that you don’t drop the ball as you stand up - or it’s attempt over!

5. Release the ball from between your knees and trap it between your ankles. It must not touch the ground at this point.

6. You’re almost there but there’s still work to do. Flick the ball with your heels into the air.

7. While the ball is in the air, rearrange your feet so you can do a single keep-up (see below). It doesn’t matter which foot you use.

8. Catch the ball in your hands to end the FREESTYLE 7!

Well done! How quick was your time? Can you do it faster?

If you’ve practised enough, and think you’ve got what it takes to become a freestyle world record holder, here’s what you need to do...

Before you begin your record attempt, go to our website with your parent or guardian and register for an account. Read the record guidelines carefully so that you make sure you’ve got everything you need. Once you’re happy with your attempt, send us all the evidence and we’ll review it!

This record is part of our under-16s category, so we’ll also need proof of your age – no grown-ups allowed.

Check out our book Football Edition 2027 for more inspiration, and good luck with your attempt!