FOOTBALL star Sam Wisniewski produced a shining performance in a soccer competition judged by the world’s greatest freestyle player.

The eight-year-old Huddersfield Town prospect is celebrating after he came second in a monthly ball juggling challenge set by world champion freestyler John Farnworth.

Freestyling – the art of performing tricks with a football – is growing in popularity.

It has been boosted by Preston-born Farnworth’s growing exposure.

He currently holds four world records for his football tricks, has featured on Soccer AM and has worked with companies including Nike, BMW and Blackberry.

He has also entertained Huddersfield Town fans with a half-time show.

Sam, who also plays for Blackburn Rovers’ junior academy and the Lepton Highlanders, entered the open age competition by sending a minute-long video of his skills to John Farnworth’s website.

After coming runner up in October’s competition he will now receive some signed John Farnworth kit.

Sam’s dad, Adrian, said his son had found his love of freestyling at the Huddersfield branch of the Brazilian Soccer School.

He said: “He’s been going for a couple of years and he made a video of himself doing keepie-uppies, catching the ball on the back of his neck and doing a few ‘round the worlds’.

“It’s great that he’s done so well, but the bottom line is he has fun.

“He just wants to enjoy himself and be the best he can.”

Sam, who attends Linthwaite Ardron primary school, already has a tough training schedule.

The midfielder trains Monday and Friday for Town, Wednesdays at Blackburn Rovers and Thursdays at the Brazilian Soccer School at Huddersfield Grammar School.

He also plays matches for Lepton Highlanders at weekends.