Football: BBFS, BSMG International Tournament
Promising young Bermuda football players are being provided with development opportunities thanks to a collaborative partnership between Bermuda Sport Management and Next Generation International and Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School.
A BBFS spokesperson said, “Next Generation International is a youth development platform that brings together promising players from developing soccer nations to compete and learn from the best professional youth academies around the world.
“Players were selected from the recent International Talent ID Showcases organized by Bermuda’s Sports Management Group and Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School, will now join together with other promising players from 6 different countries to participate in the prestigious MIC Cup Tournament in Spain April 14th -20th.
“The U12s squad will play against La Liga’s Real Betis and U14s Squad will play against Manchester United. The Bermudan players participated are Syhon Goater, Stephen Dickinson Jay Johnston , Joao de Sa , Harry Twite, Toran Place, Gianni Burgess and Eli Richardson, The squads will be coached by Jeff Bookman, former Head of International Youth Development & Academy U13 coach – Chelsea FC and Tony Williams former US Soccer national scout and co-founder of Next Generation International.
“During my time in Bermuda I’ve seen really exciting young players but in order for these Bermudan players to reach their potential they must be playing and learning from the best players in the world as often and as young as possible” Tony Williams commented.
“During April 21st – 28th Patrick Dill, Jaaziah Van Lowe, Harlem Bean Fox, Chedi Smith, Camaje Easton, Sebastian Maderios and Jay Johnston will attend a Pro Academy Experience Tour to England where they will play matches against West Ham Utd , Nottingham Forest and Reading academies, stay at St Georges Park the FA’s National Training Center as well as attend live premier league matches.”
Jay Johnston, who is going to both Spain and England experiences said, “Being a young footballer in Bermuda this program is providing me with opportunities that allow me to play against top level international academies in Spain and England. The Character of Champions sessions are helping me to set SMART goals for academics, life and football that are realistic and ambitious.”
Since the International Talent ID Showcases in Spring 2018 30 local players have
- Traveled to Chicago last summer to participate in a week long residential International Development Camp where they were trained by coaches from European and South American Professional Clubs.
- Participated in online Character of Champions Training Sessions learning the attitude, character ad leaderships skills required to be successful both on and off the pitch.
Cal Blankendal said, “BBFS and BSMG are pleased to see the international development of our members and talent ID Camps attendees. Jeff and Tony will continue to offer our student athletes academic and professional opportunities in Europe, USA and South America”
“Tony Williams will be on island again to scout players at this weekend’s Kappa Classic for upcoming European & South American Tournaments. To nominate players for international development experiences contact Cal Blankendal calvinbda@gmail.com or Dennis Brown rockbrown50@gmail.com.”
