The Bermuda Football Association today announced the Second Annual Preparatory School Tour; once again thanks to the generous sponsorship provided by Capital G Bank. This sponsorship will afford 10 students to join a 5-day tour beginning September 5th through September 11th. For all 10 students, this will be their first time participating in the Preparatory School tour that will visit as many as seven schools on the East Coast of the United States.
The purpose for this tour is to allow our player athletes a new lease on U.S. Prep Schools that provide an academic and athletic social life as they prepare for College and or University in the near future. In addition, this allows our students a one-on-one interview with various coaches and academic administrators that will bring an understanding of what is required at the respective schools.
The 10 athletes will consist of six males and four females between the ages of (13-15). Jai Burgess, Ryan Parris, Alanzo Parsons, Machi Battersbee, Jibri Salaam, Nathan Burgess, Kyla Brangman, Akeyla Furbert, Keunna Dill and Teara Thomas.
BFA Youth Director, Devarr Boyles said: “This is the second year running for the Bermuda Football Association to oversee the Prep School tour. To date, we have introduced 26 students who have taken firsthand knowledge on this great opportunity for their future regarding academics and sports.
The Bermuda Football Foundation (BFF) initially started the ball rolling in 2008 under BFA President Richard Calderon. Of the 26 students, 14 have benefitted from this tour by enrolling in the United States, Canada or England in various Prep Schools.
Boyles continued: “The 10 players chosen for this tour were selected on their academic standards and on field performance during the past school year. The Bermuda Football Association continues to strive forward in making this possible for our youth of today.
Capital G Bank Limited continues to support the community at large. One of their main projects is the continuation of partnerships with organizations like the Bermuda Football Association that are reaching out to our young people on the importance of education.
Ian Truran, President & CEO, of Capital G Bank Limited said: “Like the Bermuda Football Association, Capital G is deeply rooted in Bermuda’s community. We have a vested interest in the education and development of Bermuda’s talented young people. Through Capital G’s ‘Giving Back’ Charitable Programme we are able to support the Bermuda Football Association’s 2010 U.S. Prep School Tour while advocating education through sports. The students’ exposure to eastern United States prep schools can potentially offer future opportunities to progress their love of football at a top educational institution.
“Tour students/players are chosen based on their on-field performance and their success in maintaining high academic grades in their various schools. This is one of the many initiatives that the BFA is implementing to strengthen the player development process by providing exposure to young players to world-class training opportunities and an overseas education.”
Truran continued: “As of 2008, the result from the initial Prep School Tour was nine boys receiving full and partial scholarships to South Kent School. Four of the students who attended South Kent School through the prep school tour also secured scholarships at colleges and universities. One of the students also went on to play in the reserve team of an English First Division Club (Ipswich Town). With success stories like these, Capital G remains committed to the BFA. On behalf of the Capital G Bank we wish the BFA and the (10) students a successful tour.”
BFA Youth Director, Boyles will oversee the tour, accompanied by chaperon, Suzette Albouy.
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