Bermuda’s Daryl Lounds is set to make his debut for the United States Under-18 national team in this summer’s Gothia Cup in Sweden.The prestigious tournament will see Lounds, who has dual citizenship, play against some of the best young players from around the world, including powerhouses Argentina, England, France, Portugal and Spain.Lounds, who played for Dandy Town and Young Men’s Social Club on the Island, was called up to the US team after impressing college scouts who then alerted the US team of his ability.His mother, Ronette, is thrilled with her 16-year-old son’s achievement and said he had ambitions to play at the World Cup for the US.“Daryl has always played well in soccer and had a desire to perform,” she said.“He started out playing as a youth with Dandy Town and then went to Social Club and was part of the team that won the league in their age group.“He has always played above his age group and his coaches in Bermuda were Wylie Rudo and Shavon Furbert.“He went to school in Bermuda until he was 12, now he plays on a local team in Florida and has been noticed by college scouts who in turn sent the message to the 365 Sports team for him to play for the USA. He wants to make the team that will play in the next World Cup in three years hopefully.”Lounds, a striker for Lay County Soccer Club in Jacksonville, Florida, is currently involved in the State Cup where his side have won two games and lost one. He is also on the Florida team with the Olympic Development Programme.The Gothia Cup, held in Gothenburg, attracts close to 70 countries every year from under-12s to under-18s, both boys and girls. Lounds was invited to join the US team by the 365 Sports team which is based in North Carolina.Rik Seymour, CEO of 365 Sports, said: “The 365 Sports experience is a tremendous opportunity for a young athlete to develop their character and leadership skills.“It provides the athlete a unique way in which to experience the sharing of culture and sport between people of different nationalities.”“The 365 Sports Programme is an opportunity available to select individuals that demonstrate elite play on the field and who are striving to raise their game to the next level.“Players will be immersed in an intensive training environment, challenging them to take their skill development to a higher level and prepare them to compete in the Gothia Cup.”The Gothia Cup will be held from July 13 July 24.