Bermuda Football Association (BFA) yesterday announced the 2010 Legends Scholarships Awards programme honourees.

The initiative helps young players further their development at universities or colleges overseas.

The BFA allotted $75,000 for the two-year period in which the scholarships ran, with amounts ranging between $5,000 and $15,000.

Students can only be eligible for the scholarships if they are a member of their school football team, currently registered with the BFA or accepted to an overseas preparatory school, the Bermuda College or colleges overseas.

Football and Cup Match legend Calvin (Bummy) Symonds, Hall of Fame footballer Carlton (Pepe) Dill, and former BFA president Dr. Gerard Bean were bestowed with the highest scholarships in their name, valued at $15,000.

The late Joseph Ferreira and Kenny Cann were also given their own scholarships which are valued at $10,000 per year, while Charlie Marshall and Earl (Townsey) Russell have scholarships valued at $5,000 in their name.

Marshall said he was pleased with the BFA's initiative in the use of scholarships and was hopeful that someday the younger generation will have as big an impact as those being honoured with scholarships in their names.

"I think it is a wonderful gesture on the BFA's part," said Marshall. "Sports in general, I believe we have missed an opportunity over the years to mix this with the development of our young people and today we have many examples of that.

"In this room alone we would not have the recognition we are receiving if it weren't for football; it had a very big impact on our lives.

"The BFA has got it right and hopefully the younger ones who get these scholarships can come back and be legends in their time."

The Legends Scholarship documents can be found on the BFA's website at www.bermudafa.com or collected from the BFA offices on 48 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton. Completed application forms must be returned to the BFA Secretariat no later than the deadline of April 16 before 5 p.m.

Only those students/football players that are currently registered with the BFA are eligible for consideration.