VISITING football team Jamaican Ambassadors received top marks from students of West End Primary School this week.

Ambassadors, a watered-down version of the famous Reggae Boyz, donated two new computers and various other stationery items to the school.

The Caribbean team completed a three-match tour of Bermuda undefeated following wins over Bermuda Football Association Commercial Division teams St. George's All-Stars (3-2), Somerset Extros (6-1) and a hard-earned 3-3 draw against PHC Raiders.

In the wake of the successful tour, event organisers have already drawn up plans to have the Ambassadors return to the island next year.

"It was a really great gesture on behalf of the Jamaican Ambassadors. Along with the supplies they have provided us with, they came with a very positive message," said West End primary principal Livingston Tuzo.

"They demonstrated to the kids that you can strike a balance between education and athletics. They showed that you can use athletics and athletics can use you and both can come out winners."

Mr. Tuzo said the kids were extremely receptive to the visitors.

"The boys really took to them. They had a training session for about half an hour, giving them specific drills and strategies. It was just a real good opportunity; not only for them, but also for Mr. (Cal) Simons our gym teacher and myself," he said.

Jamaican Ambassadors are made up of former lawyers, teachers and accountants and all members are invited, after being screened, to represent them as ambassadors of goodwill.

"Unfortunately, more schools didn't get the opportunity to hear the message. Although they came to play football, their message was really about using sport to help you to get where you want to go at the end of the day," said Mr. Tuzo.

"They really spoke well to the level that these boys understood what was going on, and hopefully the message hit home."

Former West End Primary student Clyde Best, who went on to enjoy a successful football career aborad, including playing in England for West Ham, was also honoured to have the Jamaican Ambassadors drop by his former school.

"I think the guys really enjoyed themselves here. They love their country and they look forward to doing it again next year," said Mr. Best, who also played a key role in getting the Caribbean team visit the island.

"What really impressed me is that they are all very astute guys and educated and they donated some computers, football balls and T-shirts to the West End school, and that really impressed me because they didn't have to do that."

Meanwhile, event co-organiser Gordon Anglin has labelled the Ambassadors' tour a "complete success".

"Basically, it was all about just getting in touch with the community . . . playing football, dealing with the community and making new contacts," he said.

"We were able to deliver on the promises that we made and some very good football was played.

"The team really appreciated the talent available here on the island both at the 'Old Stars' level and with the youngsters. The quality of the football was excellent and my captain (Willard Mason) was totally impressed."

Mr. Anglin, who plays locally for Commercial team Raiders and played in goal for the visiting Ambassadors, confirmed the event would now be held annually.

"This will be an annual event and we are hoping to come before next year November to conduct a couple of coaching courses in the summer," he said.

"But overall it was a very successful tour. They love Bermuda and are now looking forward to a long, ongoing association.

"They came here to share the experience and the wealth with Bermuda because all of us have played football for a number of years, and this was basically our way of saying 'thank you' to the game while promoting the good capabilities of progressive Jamaicans in our community."