A teenager from Witney, Oxfordshire, is setting his sights on the United States as he takes bold steps to turn his passion for American football into a professional career. Sixteen-year-old Jack Turner has become one of the rising stars in the UK’s growing American football scene, and now he is planning to cross the Atlantic in hopes of securing a future in the sport that inspired him from a young age.
Jack’s journey began in a rather unconventional way. While football (or soccer) remains the most dominant sport in the UK, Jack was introduced to American football at the age of ten after watching a televised NFL game with his father. He was instantly hooked. “It was different. It was fast, strategic, and physical—everything I loved about sport all in one,” Jack explained.
Since then, his commitment to the sport has been unwavering. He joined the Oxford Saints junior team at the age of 12, one of the few American football youth programs available in the area. From there, he rapidly developed his skills as a wide receiver, quickly becoming known for his speed, precision, and game awareness. Despite limited access to resources and coaching compared to his American counterparts, Jack has made a name for himself in regional competitions and youth camps.
The teenager has also taken part in several international camps, including the NFL Academy in London—a highly competitive program designed to develop elite British talent and provide pathways into American college football. At the Academy, Jack stood out among dozens of hopefuls, earning praise from coaches and scouts alike for his agility, work ethic, and raw talent.
Now, Jack is preparing for the biggest step in his journey yet: relocating to the United States to attend a high school with a competitive football program, where he can train at a higher level and increase his chances of being scouted by college teams. “I know it’s a big leap,” he said. “But if I want to take this as far as it can go, the US is where I need to be.”
His family has been incredibly supportive, although the transition comes with significant financial and emotional challenges. Jack’s mother, Sarah Turner, spoke about the mix of pride and apprehension she feels. “It’s hard knowing he’ll be so far away at such a young age, but we believe in his dream and want to do everything we can to help him achieve it.”
To support the move, Jack has launched a fundraising campaign, aiming to cover tuition, travel, accommodation, and gear costs. He’s also garnered support from local businesses in Witney, with several stepping in to sponsor part of his journey. Community members have also rallied around Jack, organizing events and sharing his story to help raise awareness and funds.
Beyond the financial hurdles, Jack knows that the competition in the US will be fierce. “Every kid over there has been playing this game since they could walk. I’m coming in with a lot to prove,” he said. However, he views this challenge not as a setback, but as a source of motivation. “Being the underdog is a good thing. It keeps you hungry. It keeps you working hard.”
His goal is clear: to earn a scholarship to play NCAA Division I football, the highest level of college competition in the US. From there, the dream would be to enter the NFL Draft and become one of the few Brits to make it onto a professional American football roster. While that path is incredibly competitive and uncertain, Jack remains focused and optimistic.
“It’s not just about making it big,” he added. “It’s about seeing how far I can go, pushing myself, and showing other kids in the UK that this path is possible. We might not have Friday night lights, but we’ve got talent, too.”
As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, Jack Turner is not just chasing personal success—he’s carrying the hopes of a growing British American football community. With determination, a strong support system, and a dream bigger than most his age dare to pursue, this Witney teen may well become a name we hear on Sundays in the future.
