A FOOTBALL freestyler from Burnley will take on the world’s elite at a tournament in Prague next month.

Clarets fanatic Chris Draper, 21, has showcased his skills in stadiums around Britain and has performed twice in America.

Now, the former Burnley College student is off to the Czech Republic to take part in the week-long Superball tournament.

Mr Draper, a final year public relations student at the University of Central Lancashire, said he could not wait to test himself against the best ball-jugglers in the world.

He said: “I had a mate who went to last year’s tournament and he encouraged me to get involved.

“Although it’s competitive, freestyling is more of a community than anything. It’s exciting to visit new places and meet new people.

“My training has increased, ranging from one or two hours per day to five or six. The events are just an extension of training really. “I feel like I’m practicing but there just happens to be people watching.

“At the minute, my hamstrings and ankles are a bit niggly but that’s because I’m doing more complicated tricks.”

Mr Draper, who lives in the Ightenhill area, has shot a promotional video with Real Madrid, due to be released next month, and is also scheduled to visit Anfield to work with Liverpool FC.

He has also performed in New York’s Times Square, at Celtic Park in Glasgow, and a host of Premier League and Football League clubs’ grounds.

But one performance stands out above all the others.

Mr Draper, who also attended St Mary Magdalene’s RC Primary School and Blessed Trinity RC College, said: “Last April, I was on at Turf Moor the night Burnley played Birmingham.

“Having watched from the stands for 10 years, and having all my family there, it was a special night.

“I’d love to do it again but it’s just finding the time between my degree work and other commitments.”

The Superball tournament takes place at SK Slavia Prague’s training complex from August 11 to August 18.