From being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in 2021 to captaining Premier League team, AFC Bournemouth, against Newcastle United in September 2025, David Brooks is an incredible example of hope and resilience!

In 2021, Welsh international footballer, David Brooks, a rising star for AFC Bournemouth, was living every footballer’s dream. Quick feet, sharp vision and a fan favourite – his career was in full flow. But that October, everything came to a sudden halt. At the age of 24, in the prime of his career, Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Rather than getting ready for the next Premier League clash, he found himself preparing for chemotherapy.

The fight of his life

What followed wasn’t just a medical journey, it was a battle of mind and spirit. “Football was my life for 24 years before I was diagnosed and for a brief moment, in the grand scheme of things, football didn’t matter,” said Brooks. While he found the initial rounds of chemotherapy less difficult than he had imagined, reality hit home after the second and third rounds. “I’d lost every bit of muscle and put on more than 15 kgs of weight, so I needed to get that off me and put muscle on before I could even think about stepping on a pitch again.”

Beating cancer

In May 2022, after extensive treatment, Brooks was finally cleared of illness. The cancer was officially in remission. But the medication and time away from the pitch had made him a shadow of the footballer he once was. Speaking about his experience, Brooks says, “You are essentially being poisoned. That’s what chemo is. It kills all cells in your body, the good and the bad. You are extremely de-conditioned compared to what you are used to as a footballer. Plus, you haven’t touched a football in 18 months. Then you are expected to go at it with players who are worth £50 million and £70 million in the Premier League.”

The comeback

Having recovered from cancer, the next step for Brooks was getting match fit again. “It was a frustrating period. It was just simple things; I would train, and the warm-up I could get through like normal, but I’d still be struggling to breathe,” says Brooks. It was almost like going back to square one and learning how to become a footballer again. Brutal work. But his focus and drive never wavered. After seemingly endless months of sweat, tears and blood, David Brooks made his first competitive start for AFC Bournemouth in May 2023, 598 days after he had been diagnosed with cancer.

“The thought that I might not be able to do what I dreamt of all my life was a difficult thought,” Brooks said. “But I never stopped trying and thankfully my body managed to pull together to get me back. Now I just want to be as fit as possible whenever I’m called upon.” Since his comeback, Brooks has discovered a new joy in his game, and it’s reflecting in his performances and his stature as the captain of Bournemouth. “I don’t take things for granted anymore. Every minute I’m on the pitch is a blessing.”

David Brooks’ journey is a masterclass in resilience, patience and perspective. If a Premier League footballer can face a life-altering illness and come back stronger, all of us can bounce back from a missed pass, a lost match or a tough week.

If you would like to help your child develop David Brooks’ determination while learning how to play good football, call us on 9819337766 or 9819227766.

P.S. Please watch the BBC interview with David Brooks at the bottom of the newsletter. Nothing like seeing him speak about his experience and comeback first-hand!