Bermuda Hogges midfielder Devaun DeGraff is striving to win a dream professional contract with FIFA Club World Cup Champions Sport Club Internacional who have invited him for a trial in Brazil.

The 26-year-old Whitney Institute music teacher jets off from the Island today for a month-long trial with the South American giants who will be casting their watchful eye over the North Village man.

DeGraff is no stranger to the land of Samba football having previously attended camps and a summer trial at Sao Paula side FC Paulista two-years ago.

He cites his association with the Hogges — Bermuda’s first footballing franchise — for improving his resume and attracting the interest of Inter.

And while DeGraff maintains his ultimate goal is to earn a contract with the footballing powerhouse, he also intends to use the opportunity to put himself in the shop window for potential suitors

“I am at the peak age in terms of overseas clubs being prepared to look at me so I’m determined to make the most of this wonderful opportunity,” said DeGraff who was granted permission not to travel with the Hogges who left for a 10-day trip to the States this week.

“The Bermuda Hogges have been very supportive and have always stated part of their aim was to give players a chance of attracting interest from abroad.

“Being part of a professional outfit like them improves your footballing resume with clubs more inclined to take a look at you. They have provided a path for guys like me into the professional game.

“I was in Brazil two summers ago with FC Paulista but unfortunately there was change in management and I ended up just bouncing around for a while.

“It was still a good experience but hopefully this will be a bit more productive - you never now what doors may open to you while you’re out there.”

As a youngster DeGraff was taken under the wing of Brazilian coach Eduardo DeSousa who has a training camp in Miami and who recommended him to Inter.

DeGraffs feels his slight frame and skill as a midfield technician will serve him well in Brazil — the country he models his passing game on.

“I have a lot of excitement about this trial and I imagine the nerves will kick in once I get there and start training with the team.

“The Brazilian game is much faster and the first touch is crucial. There’s a lot more running and movement and I feel that suits my game.

“I try and keep things as simple as possible as I’m not the most physical player and most are around my size which I feel comfortable with.

“A lot of onus is put on the technical side of things rather than the physical aspects which are more associated with England and the rest of Europe.

“The ultimate goal for me gain a professional contract with Internacional and at the very least come back to Bermuda as a better footballer.

“I will be training with the reserves and playing games against other Brazilian teams so there’s always a chance another club may spot you also.”

Sport Club Internacional are from Porto Alegre and play their home games at the Beira-Rio stadium with a capacity of 56,000. They beat Barcelona 1-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup Champions.