Bermuda under-17s footballer Caleb Crockwell is set to test his skills in the courtroom as the newest member of the Bermuda Bar.

Mr Crockwell, 25, who also represented the island’s under- 15s team, received his Call to the Bar on Friday, surrounded by friends and family.

After graduating from Saltus, Mr Crockwell studied law at the University of the West of England in Bristol, graduating in 2012 with an upper second class degree before travelling to Wales to study for his solicitor’s finals at the University of Aberystwyth.

Presenting his application, Simon Benedek of Benedek Lewin described Mr Crockwell as “one of those annoying people who has an abundance of talent”.

“He is academically gifted. He is a talented sportsman. And, as if this were not enough, Caleb is also a man of deep faith, integrity and conviction,” Mr Benedek said.

“Caleb is an active member of his church and is a Director of Youth Ministries at the First Church of God.

“I am told that Caleb serves his community with great humility and dedication.

“Even with all of these talents, Caleb did not get where he is today alone.

“Like each of us, Caleb owes a debt of gratitude to many important people in his life who supported and believed in him over the years.”

He said that, speaking to Mr Crockwell’s mother, that it was the election of Barack Obama that inspired him to pursue a career in law.

“Caleb, you have chosen a marvellous role model: both as a lawyer and a man,” he said. “A man whom we appreciate more and more as he prepares to leave the White House.

“We at Benedek Lewin are excited that Caleb has chosen to join us. The future prospects of our five-a-side football team look very bright indeed.

“More seriously, we shall look forward to working with Caleb and to helping him realise his very great potential as a lawyer.”

Addressing the court for the first time, Mr Crockwell thanked those who have offered their time and talent to help him advance, noting that his road to the Bermuda Bar had been a long and challenging one with moments of self-doubt and confusion.

“The time you have invested in me I can never repay, and your kindness and generosity along the way I cherish,” he said.

He said the support and love of his family was the greatest pillar in his success, particularly his parents.

“Dad and mom, I honour you,” he said emotionally.

“I wouldn’t be standing here today if it were not for you.

“You have shaped me from my birth. I hope in some small way I can repay them and make them proud, even though they don’t ask for it.

“Every sacrifice they made, they made out of love, and true love expects nothing in return. I must be the same way, because I have seen and know no other way to live.”

Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman congratulated Mr Crockwell on his success, saying that while the court had not heard what sort of law Mr Crockwell seeks to practise, he clearly has the skills to be a success in whatever branch of the profession he chooses.