A former Woodham Academy student is about to touchdown in Germany after securing an American Football professional contract.
Jack Curry, 19, is off to play with the Cologne Falcons after passing a trial and full medical with the German Football League team.
The initial eight month contract starts in March and as well as his salary, the club will also fund Jack’s accommodation, flights and healthcare. He will play at their 12,000-capacity Müngersdorf Sportpark, Ostkampfbahn.
The dream move follows a five-year love of the sport, which started when Jack, played in his school team at Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe.
The team competed in the British American Football League, where they were beaten finalists three years running before being accepted into the American High School League of Europe and playing in matches as far afield as Sicily.
It was here Jack was noticed by ex NFL player and current Sky Sports presenter Cecil Martin, who invited him to play for Team Europe in San Antonio, Texas. His two week stay was followed by three months with the Bielefeld Bulldogs in the German Football League Division 2, which led to the move to the Cologne Falcons.
Jack qualified last year with a BTEC Level 3 in Sport at Bishop Auckland College, who provided financial support for his US trip.
He said: “I really enjoyed my course and learned so much, and very much appreciated the help the college gave me with the US trip, covering the cost of accommodation and health insurance. The experience of going over to Texas showed everyone how serious I took the sport and that it wasn’t just a phase. It helped me realise I could follow my dream – to play American football at a higher level and make a career out of it.”
Katy Graham, the college’s Learning Area Manager for Sport & Public Services, is delighted at his pro contract success.She said: “It is certainly a first for the college – one of our graduates becoming a professional American Football player, but if anyone deserves it Jack does. He is totally committed, very determined and was talent spotted by a former NFL player who is now a TV pundit, which is a great accolade in itself. We wish him every success in his sporting career.”
