Cheyra Bell, the director of female development for CP Athletic Development Academy, became Bermuda’s first certified women’s futsal coach in North Carolina this month.

The former Lady Cougars striker and Howard University captain completed a national Level Three coaching course.

“I am more than pleased to be the first certified women’s futsal coach in Bermuda,” said the Bermuda women’s captain.

The course, designed for coaches at the youth level, included basic techniques and advanced tactics of futsal with participants tasked with designing and leading a training session.

The course was conducted by Fifa Futsal Instructor, Keith Tozer, who also coaches the United States men’s futsal team.

Tozer played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Soccer League and American Indoor Soccer Association, and in 2004 coached the US to the Concacaf Futsal Championship.

“It was a pleasure to meet and work with outstanding coaches and youth players,” Bell said.

As a Level Three certified futsal coach, Bell has vowed to put her coaching skills to good use in an effort to raise the profile of women’s football in Bermuda.

“This experience will certainly assist my efforts to further develop women’s football/futsal in Bermuda and on a national level,” she said. “The game of futsal is growing rapidly and will be a viable option for players along with the outdoor game.”

Bell is also keen to continue working with the talented group of young players at the CP Athletic Development Academy.

Accompanying Bell to North Carolina were Academy foursome Noah Autmezguine, Daniel Cook, Michael Costello, and Leilani Nesbeth who were all put through their paces by US instructors.

“Our primary goal is to secure overseas exposure and educational opportunities for our members,” Peter Rickards, the Academy president and coach, said. “In addition to the rigorous training our members were able to network with coaches and players from across the region and gain first-hand experience of what it takes to participate at a higher level.”

Founded by Rickards, the CP Athletic Development Academy, based at Par-la-Ville Road in Hamilton, is a futsal academy for both males and females.

The Academy, which is a registered local charity, was formed to help bridge the gap between athletic ability and educational opportunities.