Train With Mumbai’s Record Breaking Freestyle Footballer, Archis Patil

Usually when a footballer tears though his ankle ligaments the future is thrust into uncertainty. Archis Patil, however, is not the norm. Something of a poster child for young Indian football in his early career, he was a prominent figure on the pitch for the Mumbai FC and Air India under-19 level squads as well as a representation for the nation as a youth in two prestigious global tournaments, the Gotha Cup in Sweden and the Dana Cup in Denmark. Then, the injury happened and the only thing more unpredictable than it was his reaction.

Archis looked at his situation with surprising pragmatism for a boy of his age. Despite accepting early on that professional football was no longer within his reach, he would not let football leave his life. During his time in Sweden for the Gotha Cup, Archis was captivated by freestyle footballers showcased at the event, and marvelled at their control and dexterity with a football. At the time Archis, seriously struggled to replicate their smooth moves, but he embraced the learning curve like a champ, determined to take this challenge and convert it into a success story.

In 2008, Archis participated in the Red Bull Street Style freestyle competition and has since demonstrated that if you put your spirit into it, you can turn freestyle football into a full-time profession. He has two freestyle World Records, has been featured in a plethora of advertisements, commercials, and even Bollywood movies for his skills.

Moreover, Archis now has a client list that most in his business can only dream of, including global juggernauts like, UEFA, PUMA, RED BULL, DHL, HONDA, SUZUKI, TATA, ORANGE, FIFA, MONSTER. And the list goes on.

Archis has other assets, such as being a part of break-dancing crew Fictitious, which rose to the final of India’s Got Talent 2010. His innate talent for choreography and style paired with his high level of freestyle skills have elevated his name to the freestyle brand it is today. It’s important to mention the man has balls of steel too, having choreographed and implemented and entire freestyle video with a flaming football (yes, juggling a football on fire).

Despite all his personal accomplishments the coolest bit of information in this article is that you can get trained by this freestyle legend too. Archis explains, “I have an academic training program and I take private sessions too . I have trained many celebrities for movies and advertisements.” He continues, “All my students are doing well and progressing fast. I train according to my client’s needs.”

In Archis’ training arsenal, clients can expect to get a holistic instruction in “football tricks, strategic game play, ball control, body balance, as well as street soccer skills and moves.”

So if you want to take your freestyle game to the next level, we suggesting hitting up Archis here.

In the meantime, HG talked to Archis to give out readers a little advice from the formidable freestyler. Here’s getting to know him better.

HG: Is it imperative young footballers aspiring to be professionals play in international competitions like the Gotha Cup?

Archis: Gothia cup is not a must, but it is surely crucial as it’s an international competition and you get all the experience in the world to play with top teams and learn more about the game .

HG: What is your favourite freestyle advert you’ve done?

Archis: My fave freestyle advert, which I have done was the airtel ad shot in Malaysia as I was the lead and I was the choreographer of the ad too. It was a major hit.

HG: What inspired you to try the fire freestyle video?

Archis: Fire freestyle was very unique as no one in India or internationally has done it... my execution was spot on and the video concept was completely original. I always wanted to do things out of the box and stand out of the crowd, thereby making football with fire was unique

HG: The Godfather of freestyle?

Archis: Palle is the godfather of football tricks and he has made many original tricks. He has also been in the freestyle scene from the start, so a complete motivation package.

HG: Practice tips?

Archis: Just train hard and be consistent with your training. Highs and lows are a part of life and what makes you want it more is the same reason why you started it

HG: Favourite youtube freestyle channels?

Archis: Squadrann, Freestyle factory, and Danielgothits.

HG: Good places to practice?

Archis: As freestyle is an open sport I train and adapt anywhere and improvise. I have been training in public parks more often as I like to train in greener surroundings.