When Jackie was five months pregnant with her son, James Ward-Prowse, the FIFA World Cup USA 1994 kicked off without England. Little did she know that she was carrying a future professional footballer who would one day make significant contributions to the English national team. James was born exactly 3 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days after that World Cup tournament.
Growing up as a passionate Portsmouth fan, James held a season ticket and was the second of three children born to his parents, Jackie and John. Alongside his older brother, James spent his early years in Portsmouth, kicking anything that even remotely resembled a football from the moment he could walk. His father, John, quickly recognized his son’s natural talent and began taking him to Portsmouth games, nurturing his love for the sport.
The Untold Story of James Ward-Prowse: The Set-Piece Master of the Premier League
By the age of seven, James had already made a few appearances for Portsmouth’s under-nine team. However, it wasn’t long before Southampton’s scouts spotted his potential when he was just eight years old. Since then, the young player, known for his precision in bending free kicks like David Beckham, has never looked back. We are excited to share the story of James Ward-Prowse’s journey from a football-loving kid to a professional player making his mark on the field.
Preamble:
We hope to spark your interest in football autobiographies as you dive into James Ward-Prowse’s story. To get started, let’s take a look at a photo gallery that captures his journey—from his early days as a charming young soccer enthusiast to his rise to fame in a Southampton shirt. James Ward-Prowse has truly come a long way, and his life and career are nothing short of remarkable.
How James Ward-Prowse Became a Star: His Journey from Childhood to Fame.
James Ward-Prowse Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
To start with his biography, James Ward-Prowse was born on the 1st day of November, the year 1994 in Portsmouth, a port city in the United Kingdom. He is the second of three children born to his parents, Jackie and John.
James Ward-Prowse’s mother, Jackie.
Like Harry Winks and Lewis Hall, James is an English national of White ethnicity with anglophone roots. Similar to Mason Mount and Eddie Howe, he is a native of Portsmouth, born and raised in his hometown of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Growing up in Portsmouth alongside an older brother, Ward-Prowse began kicking anything that resembled a football as soon as he learned how to walk.
JWP has been playing football since he learnt how to walk.
John, Ward-Prowse’s father, recognized his son’s talent for football and began taking him to watch Portsmouth games. Thus, Ward-Prowse grew up as a fan of Portsmouth and was a season ticket holder like other members of his immediate family.
Away from keeping up with Portsmouth’s games, Ward-Prowse played football with his peers as a kid and trained with Portsmouth’s School of Excellence.
By the time Ward-Prowse was aged 7, he had put up a few appearances for the under-nine team of Portsmouth before Southampton’s scouts had spotted him when he was eight.
James Ward-Prowse Biography – Career Buildup and Early Career Life:
Young Ward-Prowse committed to Southampton’s youth systems after he was invited by the club to train with them.
The decision was not easy for the then 9-year-old kid, given that he had made a lot of friends at Portsmouth’s School of Excellence, and to cap it all, Southampton was the archrival of Portsmouth.
At just nine years old, Ward-Prowse faced a challenging decision, trading friendships at Portsmouth’s School of Excellence to join the youth ranks of their archrivals, Southampton.
Nonetheless, he fared well at the club and rose through the ranks. At the peak of his career buildup, Ward-Prowse was featured in every match for the Southampton under-18 team.
He also sought to toughen himself by secretly training with the non-league club Havant & Waterlooville.
Road To Fame:
Ward-Prowse was only 16 when he made his debut for the first Southampton team during a league cup match against Crystal Palace.
In his second appearance, Ward-Prowse made a strong impression by scoring Southampton’s first goal in a 2-1 victory over Coventry City. His goal was crucial in helping Southampton advance to the fourth round of the Emirate FA Cup.
JWP celebrating his first goal for Southampton’s senior team
The then-teenager was also making a name for himself at the international scene. He rose through the ranks from playing with the England under-17 team between 2010 and 2011 to feature in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification matches.
James Ward-Prowse Bio – Rise To Fame:
In 2012, Ward-Prowse made his Premier League debut for Southampton. He played his first match against Manchester City on the opening day of the 2012–13 season.
Although Manchester City defeated South Hampton 3-2, Ward-Prowse was praised by manager Nigel Adkins, who described his performance as outstanding.
Subsequent premier league campaign matches of the 2012–13 season saw Ward-Prowse exhibit a top form that elicited praises from commentators.
Shortly after James Ward-Prowse celebrated his 18th birthday in November 2012, he signed a five-year contract with Southampton and has remained with the club to date. The rest, as they say, is history.
James Ward-Prowse Family Facts:
Ward-Prowse hails from a middle-class family background of 4 members. We bring you factual details about members of his family.
About James Ward Prowse’s father:
John is the dad of the football genius. He is a barrister and responsible head of the Ward-Prowse family. Like most supportive parents, John takes time to attend his son’s games.
About James Ward Prowse’s mother:
Jackie is the mom of the midfielder. She shares a close bond with Ward Prowse and attends most of his games too. Jackie is also the mother of Ward Prowse’s two other siblings.
James Ward-Prowse with mother Jackie.
About Ward Prowse Siblings:
Ward-Prowse has two siblings. They include an older brother, about whom little is known and a younger sister called Emma Turner. Ward-Prowse is a protective big brother to Emma and holds her interests dear to his heart.
Emma suffers from Alopecia (chronic hair loss), and she is one of the youngest people in Britain to be diagnosed with the condition.
However, she’s handling the condition well, thanks to the help and constant attention she receives from her caring older brother, Ward-Prowse.
James Ward-Prowse’s sister suffers from alopecia.
Personal Facts Outside Football:
What do you know of Ward-Prowse’s persona beyond his awesome football career? Sit back as we bring you makings of Ward-Prowse’s personality to help you get a complete picture of him.
To begin with, Ward-Prowse is an individual like N’Golo Kante who ensures that his happiness and contentment are not compromised by his ambitious pursuits. He is not given to chasing women and does not regard money as a motivating factor.
Contentment and happiness are JWP’s watchwords.
Ward-Prowse enjoys a variety of hobbies, including listening to music, watching movies, fishing, and playing video games. Outside of football, he also has a passion for cricket and is a skilled tennis player. Despite the popularity of tattoos among many athletes, Ward-Prowse has kept his body free of tattoos, and it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll be getting any inked soon.
Fishing is one of James Ward-Prowse’s hobbies.
Ward-Prowse Lifestyle:
Ward-Prowse has a burgeoning net worth of approximately £11.5m. With such projections, one would expect the football genius to bask in luxury. However, Ward-Prowse lives a moderate lifestyle and has a good house in Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Ward-Prowse is not someone who shows off his cars and riches. He promotes the art of giving by engaging in BT Sport’s Charitable initiative – The Supports Club.
James Ward-Prowse contributes his quota to create a better future for young people under the auspices of BT Sport’s charitable initiative.
Untold Facts
Did you know?
Ward-Prowse grew up idolizing David Beckham and Steven Gerrard. As a child, he would spend hours watching their impressive skills, striving to emulate their play and improve his own game.
About James Ward-Prowse Education, he attended Oaklands Catholic School in Waterlooville. Ward-Prowse left the school with six GCSEs in the summer of 2011.
Rare photos of young James Ward-Prowse during his school days.
Ward-Prowse is the only member of his family lineage to have played football at a highly competitive level. His grandad was a sportsman who played Rugby.
Appreciation Note:
Thanks for reading the untold story of James Ward-Prowse. We strive for accuracy and fairness to tell the stories of footballers born in England. Kindly stay tuned for more!
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