Gymnast Erin Jameson never expected to be on the world stage for playing football. But in a spectacular Youtube video sponsored by Pepsi MAX she shows off her amazing volley skills and has been watched by more than 2.8 million people.

The film, Pepsi MAX Volley 360, recently released ahead of the UEFA Champions League final, turns the football move literally on its head. Erin, from Bushey, is seen successfully scoring a goal while performing a somersault.

The filmmakers challenged semi-pros, freestylers, parkour experts and gymnasts to take on the ball in a custom circular pitch so it could come from any angle, at any speed, at any time.

We talked to the 26-year-old gymnast, who was born in Cape Town, South Africa about her starring role.

How did you get involved in the Pepsi MAX volley campaign?

I was lucky enough to be involved when a friend put me in touch with Select Sports Artists.

How long did it take you to master the volley?

The volley took some time as there are a few different aspects to it and with the amount of people involved.

How many takes were there to get the perfect sequence?

It took about a dozen times to get the volley right as we were perfecting the timing with each performer.

Have you played football before?

I have only played football once before on a very casual level.

It might be unexpected to see a gymnast playing football but that is exactly what the Pepsi MAX Volley 360 is trying to do – something unexpected, taking the volley and turning it on its head. Scoring a volley is genuinely such an amazing feeling. Knowing you’ve got control of the ball and you’ve shot it in the right direction, while flipping upside down is pretty mad! I’m delighted to be involved.

Do you watch football? If so, who do you support?

I do watch football, either to support my brother-in-law when he is playing or when Chelsea is on the TV. I support Chelsea, along with Watford that being my local team.

Are you keen on other sports?

I am training to be a stunt woman as I totally love sport. I have been a gymnast for a long time, and also dance, trampoline, climb and also train in martial arts.

How did your gymnastic background play apart in your ability to perform the tricks in the film?

I trained professionally as gymnast for more than 10 years and working as an acrobat and performer for eight years. I competed for Great Britain, which really helped with some amazing moves for the film.

Watford Observer:

What inspired you to start the sport?

I think my energy as a child was always very high. I would be cartwheeling constantly or jumping into the splits. I’m pretty sure my parents decided it was safer to put me in a gymnasium rather than letting me flip around the kitchen and I never looked back.

What advice would you give someone wanting to become a gymnast?

Gymnastics, along with many sports, is an incredible thing for children to do. It taught me so much. It is extremely hard work and you need to be motivated and have a good work ethic for both your sport and school. However, for me, having a serious sport taught me discipline, time management and from a young age I believed in my own ability and strength that I possess mentally and physically.

Are there particular women in sport that inspire you?

Nadia Comaneci and Anna Pavlova are woman who inspired me as a child. There are so many woman in sport and for many different reasons I look up to Kelly Holmes, Beth Tweedle, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Ronda Rousey.

Can you tell me more about yourself, what do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I like spending time with my family and my boyfriend, going for walks or to the golfing range. I also love sewing and fashion, so I make my own clothes and costumes. I enjoy baking, but mainly for the mixing bowl after! I always love going to see shows, whether it’s seeing some friends on tour or in the West End, nothing beats a good show for me.

What did you study?

I studied, psychology, sociology, sports science and photography.