The Bermuda Brazilian Football School’s (BFFS) CEO Calvin Blankendal gave a Post Tour Report on their 2nd Annual Summer Tour that was based on providing the youth players and coaches with a firsthand experience on what is really required to become a professional athlete (football player). Secondly, to expand the mindset of our more talented players that being the best or one of the best in Bermuda does not guarantee success or even access on the international stage. Further, too fostering long-lasting friendships, partnerships, educational opportunities and expose our youth to the links between the UK and Bermuda.
The tour party had a range of players aged 9 - 17 years of age, based on our philosophy that development is continuous and that at each stage of a players’ physical, mental and technical cycle, he or she is to be given the opportunity to express their interest, commitment and talent to a wider audience. BBFS is about providing a path for beginners to the advanced and elite players based on ability and not merely the age of the individual.
The players saw a broad range of playing styles and tactics as they watched teams from; Spain, Italy, England, Scotland and France; such as Arsenal, AC Milan, Celtic, Deportivo La Coruna, Olympique Lyonnais better known as Lyon and West Ham in action.
BBFS core objectives on the UK Tour were to enhance the knowledge of our coaching and management team and to enhance our product for the betterment of our players and the organization. In the future, we will be traveling to other regions and roads less frequently taken, based on the needs of our players, coaches and for the best interest of Bermuda.
Last but not least, we wish to thank everyone who is and has supported us. This project was and is important to Bermuda, as we have players from all over the island traveling with us. At a time when our young men and women are quick to show why they are at odds with each other, we embrace the Brazilian ideology of what the Living Legend Pele' said, "Football is Love" and to quote an often used phrase by a former President of the Bermuda Football Association, Larry Mussenden, "We are the Family of Football.”
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