Grand Turk Native Ashley Brooks has become the first Turks and Caicos Islander to ink a professional American Football deal with a European club after signing with Timisoara 89ers in Romania.
The new season of the league kicks off this Autumn, and it is expected that Brooks will be featured prominently for that team.
According to the Sports Commission, Brooks is the first known Turks and Caicos Islander to sign a player's contract with a professional European American Football team.
Brooks stated that playing American Football has always been a dream of his, even though the sport is not played in his home country, not even at the primary school level.
"I am extremely excited to have this opportunity, it was definitely a goal of mine but being honest I wasn't sure it was possible because the sport isn't played at home,” he stated. “However, I never let my dream die and committed myself to the work and through God's favor I am here today.”
Brooks pointed out that while he would want to be known on the field of play as an excellent player, he would also love if he were known to be the epitome of perseverance.
“I hope that I can be an example of never giving up on your dreams for the young guys at home, the ultimate power is self-belief. I am a living proof that you can achieve anything you set your heart and mind to,” he stated.
Brooks previously played for the Dallas Vikings in the Texas United Football League, USA and Carnegie American Football at Leeds Beckett University in the UK.