Origins: John Stones

England’s John Stones remembered his South Yorkshire roots in the next episode of our Origins series.

Ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, we’re celebrating where every football journey truly began, from grassroots to the world stage.

For Stones, his early memories of playing football are of the local park, having grown up in a ‘rural’ small village on the outskirts of Barnsley, by the Pennines.

The defender represented his local team, Penistone Church, before being scouted for Barnsley while playing Sunday league football.

And Stones’ time spending his weekends playing football with his friends, which put a smile on his face, have set him up for success with his country.

“All we needed really was a bit of grass and a football,” he explained. “I used to play against the sign of the street – the old school signs with the two wooden posts. That was my goal.

“I remember that was such a nice moment to get all our friends from wherever they were, meeting up in one of our friend’s houses or a spot that we’d agreed on the day before at training.

“We’d go into Barnsley town centre and meet up, play football all weekend and go to different places. We’d walk everywhere. You’d have five or ten pounds for the weekend to feed yourself.

“I enjoyed that part of it. You’re just getting by because you’re having fun and playing. You’ve got to remember why you started it and why you’re doing it, because you love it.

“When anyone’s happy in life and doing something they love, everything comes naturally and easily.

“I don’t forget where I did come from or what I’ve gone through and the people that helped me, especially when you’re in big tournaments and we’ve been successful, in my opinion. It makes you realise that you’re living your dream. I didn’t think I’d ever do it.

“It transports you back to being on a field or trying to be someone you’re looking up to. You don’t want to forget what path you’re on and the people around you. I think that’s kept me on the path that I’ve been on.”