a dilemma over whether to turn pro with an English Fourth Division club or to accept a university scholarship.

The 19-year-old says he is weighing up both offers carefully, but it is clear that the decision is one of the biggest of his life.

After being offered a two-month contract by Crewe Alexandra following a successful trial with the club, Adams seemed set to snap up the offer and hinted his excitement at becoming a professional after returning home last weekend.

But yesterday he said he may turn down this once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn professional and, instead, accept a scholarship with Liberty University of Lynchburg, Virginia.

The university has offered him a half-scholarship for the first year and a full scholarship thereafter.

"My mind has changed towards the scholarship after giving the matter a lot of thought,'' said Adams. "But there is still a possibility that I may go back to England. Everything now is in the hands of Crewe.'' Adams and Bermuda Football Association official Mark Trott have sent correspondence to Crewe's manager Dario Gradi asking if he would be willing to come up with a "more substantial'' offer, and if he is then the goalkeeper just may be persuaded to join their ranks after all.

"If they do come up with something better then I probably will give it a lot of consideration because I've always wanted to play professional soccer one day,'' said Adams. "Something like a six-month contract would be attractive because playing there for that long would give me the exposure so that other teams can get a look at me if things don't work out at Crewe.'' But Adams said the scholarship remained attractive because, given his age, a professional career would still be possible after four years of school.

"In four years time I would have gained some experience and, I reckon, be a much-improved goalkeeper. I don't think I am even close to my prime, so there is still time on my side,'' he said.

Trott, who has been instrumental in arranging professional trials in England for several local players, is prepared to assist and help to advise the player and his family throughout the negotiations. But Trott makes it clear that he wants every player who winds up in a similar position to think twice about turning their backs on a scholarship.

"Players must understand that a soccer career can end at any moment while one always has an education. It can be more glamorous to be a professional player but nobody can ever take education away from you,'' said Trott.

DWAYNE'S DILEMMA -- The young goalkeeper must decide whether to go to university or to pursue a professional career in England.