Freestyler Matt to strut his stuff around Wembley for charity

Football freestyler Matt Wolstenholme is gearing up to do keepy-uppies around the perimeter of Wembley Stadium – while walking backwards.

The 31-year-old from Kingsbury, who holds the world record for ‘longest distance juggling a football’, at 20km, will perform the feat on 16 August to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

He has suffered from depression himself, so it’s a cause close to his heart.

Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

“Depression is something I’ve struggled with for a number of years, so I know from personal experience how debilitating mental illness can be,” said Wolstenholme.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to raise money for Mind. I’m really excited about the challenge – it’s not something you do every day.

“Luckily I’ll have a few people there to help make sure I don’t walk into anything!”

Wolstenholme, who also works as a personal trainer, played football to a high standard up until suffering a back injury in his early 20s.

Once recovered, he took to the park to brush up on his skills and has been a freestyle football fanatic ever since.

Now training five days a week for his latest challenge, he explained: “I’m working hard to make sure it all goes smoothly.

“Lots of practice sessions with the ball, as well as workouts at the gym to make sure I’m fit enough and can maintain my concentration.

“I couldn’t have arranged this by myself though, it’s important to thank all the people who helped, especially Wembley Stadium for allowing me to give this weird and wonderful challenge a try.

“I can’t wait to get going now, bring it on!”

To make a donation, visit www.mattfreestyle.co.uk and click on the JustGiving icon.

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