Young Bermudian soccer players should not underestimate just how much the sport can do for them.
In the wake of the ongoing Bank of Bermuda Pro Soccer Clinic, once again organised by USA-based pro David Bascome, the spotlight has fallen on the prospect of local junior footballers playing their way through college.
“It’s very much a possibility. A lot of the coaches here at David’s camp, including myself, went to college in the USA so we know a lot of college coaches. Some of our friends coach in colleges and I myself am going to be assistant coach at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania,” said Lester Felician, a former pro player.
“The kids here just have to be disciplined and put some hard work in and they will succeed.”
As someone who furthered himself in the sport and academically by gaining a college scholarship to the USA from his homeland Trinidad, this college scout noted that getting recruited is mainly about having the right attitude and priorities.
“Players must be disciplined. It’s not easy to play soccer and go to school at the same time. They have to adapt their mentality to putting the work in on a regular basis, every day.
“They must have a passion for the sport also because, if you get a soccer scholarship, you’re going there for your academics but also to perform on the team. If that’s not working out, the college would easily cut your scholarship.”
The former A League and Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) player, who is here assisting with Bascome’s camp, has urged participants to explore their soccer options thoroughly.
“It should definitely not be taken lightly because I used soccer to get where I am today,’ he continued.
“Because of soccer I went to America and got an education and now I have this opportunity to come here to Bermuda and help David. It can open a lot of doors,” stressed Felician.
He and others will stay on for the second part of Bascome’s clinic next week, the College Prospect Programme.
“We are looking at kids who we can take to the USA to further their soccer careers and their education.”
Bascome, now hosting the 14th edition of the Pro Soccer Clinic, explained that players aged 12 to 20 will be eligible for overseas recruitment.
“The Under-20s will be geared towards the Super Y League and for the professional youth league that’s going to be in Harrisburg,’ he said.
“What will happen is that, if we select them, they will go overseas and try-out between January and March. If they make the team then some of them will get to spend the summer on the youth team.”
The College Prospect venture, he noted, is evoking “a lot of interest”, adding that he is committed to “laying the groundwork for them”.
Regarding the camp overall, Bascome said it was a mixture of allowing kids to still enjoy the game “while absorbing the necessary discipline as well”.
“It’s like a mini boot camp. Their shoes have to be clean, their shirts have to be tucked in and they have to look neat. We’re implementing a lot of little things to make it more tasteful,” said the co-ordinator.
Youth coach Josh George, who is in charge of the Kiddy Kickers, is thoroughly enjoying his second year as part of Bascome’s foreign entourage.
“The skill level down here is amazing. The kids come with a great attitude. They come together, work hard, have a blast and leave with discipline and better soccer skills,” said George, who also helps with Bascome’s soccer clinics in the USA.