Five youngsters are about to embark on a sporting journey, which is likely to open a new chapter of their lives.

Promising footballers Akilah Berkeley-Bremar, Donte Allen, Kyla Ramatar, Sharifa Crockwell and Shavena Crockwell are leaving tomorrow to attend the prestigious Victory Christian Academy, in Long Island, New York.

The girls, who were recruited by the founder of the Academy, pastor Anthony Seaton, are excited to take advantage of this opportunity.

After being exposed to recent negative outlooks on our local youth, The Royal Gazette's youth correspondent Alexis Bean took pleasure in speaking to three of the five who are trying to portray Bermuda's youth in a more positive light.

Name: Kyla Ramatar

Age: 15

School: CedarBridge Academy

Team: Devonshire Cougars

Q: When and why did you start to play football?

A: I started to play football when I was about eight. I always used to watch my brother play. He would teach me different skills, like how to control the ball. I started to like it and eventually created a bond with the sport.

Q: What do you think will be the most beneficial part of this experience?

A: The best part will be the new atmosphere. There won't be any room to get caught up so there will be a lot more focus. And plus I'm going out there to do something that I like to do.

Q: What are your strong points? What can you offer to your new team?

A: A positive attitude; I try to keep my head up and stay focused. I hope I can offer this to my new fellow teammates.

Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate high school with regards to your education and soccer career?

A: I would like to get a football scholarship to either go to medical school or law school. If not I would love to try and go pro, but my main goal is college.

Q: Who is your favourite football player?

A: My brother, LoVintz Tota! I don't really watch professional football.

Q: Do you play any sports other than football? Do you feel that they improve your soccer game?

A: I play netball, cricket, volleyball, tennis, the list goes on and on. Yes, I think that the more sports you play, the better your character. You learn from the mistakes you make in different sports and I think you gain a better attitude.

Q: Do you feel any added pressure, as you are one of the first Bermudians to be recruited to attend Victory Christian Academy?

A: No, I don't feel any added pressure. I'm just happy because I have a chance to become a better player. I'll get to travel a lot because they're (Vision Christian Academy) a top team. When I come back to Bermuda I'll be more fit, and better known as a player. I want to make my mom proud too. This will be a pretty good experience.

Name: Akilah Berkeley-Bremar

Age: 15

School: CedarBridge Academy

Team: Devonshire Cougars

Q: When and why did you start to play football?

A: I started to play football when I was seven. My dad got me to play and I've never stopped since.

Q: What do you think will be the most beneficial part of this experience?

A: I think the best part will be to learn new things and to see how other girls in the sport live and play. We'll get to learn new skills because locally we are not as physical as some teams abroad.

Q: What are your strong points? What can you offer to your new team?

A: I think I'm fast, because of track and field. I have a good control over the ball. I have a nice cross. I have a pretty powerful shot to score goals. I think I'm pretty talented.

Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate high school with regards to your education and soccer career?

A: Go to college and get my degree. I want to own my own business, and further my career in football and try and go pro.

Q: Who is your favourite football player?

A: Nani of Manchester United

Q: Do you play any sports other than football? Do you feel that they improve your soccer game?

A: I play Badminton, softball, basketball, and track and field. Yes, because it gets you fit. It builds on your skills. For example, in netball you have to pivot etc. and that helps with your control.

Q: Do you feel any added pressure, as you are one of the first Bermudians to be recruited to attend Victory Christian Academy?

A: Not really. I just have to go out there and do my best and things will be possible for me.

Name: Donte Allen

Age: 16

School: Berkeley Institute

Team: Devonshire Cougars

Q; When and why did you start to play football?

A: I was naturally athletic and my older brother always used to play football with me in our yard. But I started out when I was about ten with Boulevard Blazers.

Q: What do you think will be the most beneficial part of this experience?

A: Meeting new people.

Q: What are your strong points? What can you offer to your new team?

A: I think I'll be able to help my new team wherever I am needed. I can help out with whatever possible.

Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate high school with regards to your education and soccer career?

A: I want to go to college on a football scholarship. I want to either become an accountant or paediatrician.

Q: Who is your favourite football player?

A: Lampard of Chelsea.

Q: Do you play any sports other than football? Do you feel that they improve your soccer game?

A: I play basketball, netball. I also used to play volleyball and run track. I think that playing other sports keeps your agility level up. I think it helps with a person's sportsmanship and it just helps with an overall fitness level.

Q: Do you feel any added pressure, as you are one of the first Bermudians to be recruited to attend Victory Christian Academy?

A: No it's not that much pressure. There's just a lot of work that needs to be done. We've waited so long to do this. I just need to go out there and strive for my best.

For more information on the Vision Christian Academy contact Rory C. Suber- 441-334-9314