Brooks drops in with BU

The virtual question-and-answer session took place ahead of the BU Big Match, a designated game each season which celebrates the partnership between Bournemouth University and AFC Bournemouth. This year’s game will take place against Brentford on Saturday 24 April.

Brooks spoke to students about his career in football, from starting out at Sunday games as a child in his hometown of Warrington to being picked up by the Manchester City academy and playing for Wales.

Students asked a range of questions, covering everything from nutrition before a match to the mindset needed to deal with the pressures and expectation that come alongside a top-flight football career.

When asked about the mindset needed going into games and how he dealt with making mistakes, he said: “You have to take risks and 75% of the time, they don’t pay off so you can’t get too bogged down in it because the next one might be the match winner.

“I kind of like the pressure – it’s nice to think that people think you’re a good player and expect a lot from you. It’s a welcome pressure for any player that wants to be the best.”

He added that, despite the distance from his hometown and family and friends, he enjoys living in Bournemouth.

“It’s an eight-hour journey to get home [to Warrington] and back, but all the lads were really nice and I just felt at home and at ease before moving down here.

“It’s a very nice place and it’s great being able to chill on the beach when it’s nice weather.”  

Dr Keith Parry, deputy head of the department of sport and event management, also commented: “This event provided students with a unique opportunity to talk with an elite level athlete.

"David’s openness and honesty was really refreshing and provided students on courses such as nutrition, sport coaching and business with insights into the life of an international footballer.

“His advice to students on finding something that they are passionate about and then working hard to pursue it was particularly useful.”