The IMG Academy in Florida are to bring four teams to the Island for a football festival organised by the Bermuda Football Association.

The trip, sponsored by the Caitlin Reinsurance Group, will include the IMG Academy’s under-14 developmental side, their under-15 girls’ and boys’ teams as well as their under-16 boys’ side.

They will take on the Hamilton Parish Under-16 side, who won their Knockout Cup, United FC’s Under-14 side, who won their Knockout Cup, and Dandy Town’s Under-16 side.

The Bermuda National Academy’s under-14 and under-16 sides that returned this week from successful campaigns at the US Open Cup tournament in Alabama will also be in action.

The festival will also include National Academy girls’ teams. All matches will be held at the National Sports Centre’s North Field.

Richard Todd, the National Academy director, said: “We have been trying for some time to resurrect an on-Island event similar to the Clyde Best Invitational Youth Tournament Festival that will provide quality competition to showcase our players ability in front of the Bermuda public.

“Not only will the National Academy programme benefit from these matches, but the inclusion of the under-14 and under-16 Knockout Cup champions will also allow the clubs to benefit from getting a measure of their teams against a quality programme such as IMG.”

The IMG Academy has produced countless professional players. They also serve as the official Major League Soccer site for pre-season training for clubs such as the Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, New England Revolution and Toronto FC. Among the IMG ranks is Bermuda youngster Aaron Burgess who was spotted by the IMG coaches during a previous visit to the Island.

“The National Academy is grateful for sponsor Catlin’s support, as it was the grant that they provided that enabled us to bring IMG’s coaching staff and director, Scott Dean, to Bermuda in October and February for our team camps,” Todd said.

“Since the initial visit we have seen our players guest at IMG showcase events, and National Academy player Aaron Burgess be given an opportunity to attend their residency programme.

“Aaron has been making good strides and will be joined by several others in August.”

The festival starts at 9am.