November 4, 2019

Nasser El Jackson: “It's not just about doing tricks”

World Groundmove Champion, all-around freestyle footballer, entertainer, inspiration. And ambassador for the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture. Nasser El Jackson is agile in every way. He grew up in Tilburg, in a family of four. On the street, he watched his older brother play football and get better and better with it. That inspired him. He also saw what can go wrong on the street. And that too was inspiring. "It's not about doing tricks with the ball. It's so much more."

Nasser was born at the age of 15^th Discovered as a street footballer. He works hard for things he values: championships, collaboration with the KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association), giving clinics, a theater show, and last but not least: his own Team El Jackson. "My brother played a lot of street football and was also involved in freestyle. But I also saw less pleasant things happening on the street and the impact they had on my brother," says Nasser. "My brother has been through a lot. He was a sociable, sweet boy who occasionally got sucked into the bad behavior of his friends. His career was ruined because of it. But he always stayed very strong, and he's doing well now. That motivated me to pursue my goals and taught me to distinguish between right and wrong."

Nasser: Example for young people

One of Nasser's goals is Team El Jackson. A team of street football talents selected by Nasser, who helps them further develop their skills but, more importantly, connect with what inspires them. "Everyone on my team uses the name El Jackson," says Nasser. "The name comes from my brother, who was called Jackson on the street because he was as agile with a ball as Michael Jackson. I now have 15 street footballers on my team, including players from Belgium and Spain. These youngsters started because of me and are motivated to stay on the right path. I want to be an example for the youth. I train with them, we watch a video. I try to be a big brother to them like my brother was to me. I want to teach them what I've learned."

From home

Nasser's entire family played football: his father, his sisters, and his brothers. "That love was really instilled in me," says Nasser. "My father is in his sixties and still plays football. I've learned that having a shared passion can bring so much good. Football is perhaps only 5% of what I'm doing now. It's more than that; there's a lot involved. It's not about tricks, it's about the content. That's why I'm happy to be an ambassador for the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture. I recently visited two schools for children with disabilities for the fund. The children had already seen my videos and were so enthusiastic. It was truly enjoyable, despite the fact that they struggle physically. That made a big impression on me. I'd love to do more with that group."

Dreams

Nasser has a full life. “What do I still dream about? You know, things come my way. I feel like I'm on an adventure, a journey of discovery. So much is happening. I'm currently performing in a theater show, but I also want to create my own theater. Maybe market my own products. But the most important thing is working with young people. I want to be a source of inspiration.”

Nasser is involved in the project as an ambassador, among other things Panna Knock Out.

Follow Nasser

Instagram: @nassereljackson