Welcome to the Nutmeg, each week, you can expect: Exclusive previews of major football events – Spotlight features on top football creators – In-depth analysis of trending football culture. Delivered as consistently as Beckham’s crosses.

FROM PASSION TO FREESTYLE PERFECTION

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with one of the leading freestyle footballers in the world, Nick Seyda. Nick's journey in freestyle soccer has been nothing short of inspiring. From discovering the sport at the age of 10 to becoming a global competitor, his dedication, creativity, and love for the craft have propelled him to the top.

Here are five key takeaways from our conversation with Nick about his evolution, the freestyle community, and his goals for the future.

 INTERVIEW WITH NICK SEYDA

Role in Football: Freestyler

Q&A:

Q: How did you first discover freestyle soccer, and what was your “aha” moment?

A: Nick discovered freestyle soccer at the age of 10 while watching freestylers perform before a football match. What started as admiration for their skills quickly turned into a deep passion for the sport.

"I went home, looked it up, found some videos online, and I started going back to visit those freestylers every weekend... I just became completely infatuated with the sport.

Within three to six months, I decided this is all I want to do, and I've been pursuing it ever since."

Q: How did you balance the pressures of being a student, performer, and competitor at a young age?

A: Nick attributes his ability to juggle school, training, and competition to his deep passion for freestyle soccer. For him, training never felt like a chore—it was something he genuinely loved.

"If you love something and you're highly dedicated to it, you're able to fit the time in... It might not leave much room for other things, but if you stay passionate, it pays off.

Training for three hours didn't feel like a chore. I was ready to train, I wanted to train."

Q: What sets freestyle soccer apart from traditional football, and how do you prepare mentally for competitions?

A: Freestyle soccer differs significantly from traditional football, as it's a solo sport focused on artistic expression, rather than goals or team dynamics. For Nick, mental preparation is just as important as physical training.

"Freestyle is more about being an artist... It's how you express yourself with the ball on stage by yourself or against an opponent.

I'm envisioning what I'm going to be doing on stage, learning to control my nerves, and feeling confident in my abilities."

Q: Your routines are known for their creativity and technical precision. How do you develop your originality?

A: Nick stays inspired by a wide range of sources, from other freestylers to dancers and musicians. He views freestyle as a lifelong learning process, always seeking to add new skills to his "vocabulary."

"I take inspiration from everywhere... I still feel like a beginner when it comes to creating my moves. Every skill you learn is like a new word to use in your vocabulary.

How do you string those words together? That’s how I approach my creativity."

Q: What role has the freestyle community and mentorship played in your development?

A: Community and mentorship have been pivotal in Nick's journey. Competitions aren't just about winning; they're about mutual respect and growth, with mentorship helping him improve both technically and mentally.

"Community is everything... You see your friend land a crazy trick, and it motivates you to do even better.

Mentorship has been massive. People like Spinny Vinny and Frankie Flow taught me not just tricks but the mental side of the sport."

BONUS INSIGHT

Nick is committed to pushing the boundaries of freestyle, blending artistry and competition. He hopes to inspire the next generation by showing them that growth in freestyle is not linear and requires both perseverance and creativity.

"I want to push the artistic side of freestyle—collaborating with musicians, bringing in movements from other sports... I think pushing myself will inspire the next generation to do the same.

Freestyle has no age limit... It's about educating others and letting them fall in love with the sport, just as I did."

Nick's passion and commitment to freestyle soccer show how art and sport can merge to create something truly unique. As he continues to innovate and inspire, we look forward to seeing how his journey unfolds and how it shapes the future of the sport.