Nahki Wells was one of the international stars to provide inspiration for more than 1,000 aspiring footballers during the inaugural Athene Youth Kickstart Cup.

According to the organisers of the event held at the National Sports Centre last week, the Luton Town and Bermuda striker shared a message welcoming attendees, and contributed signed merchandise for the young players throughout the tournament.

The competition, a collaboration between Athene and Footy Promotions, was open to boys’ and girls’ teams in the under-seven, under-nine and under-11 divisions.

Leslie Fitzpatrick, former Trinidad & Tobago defender and head of pro player pathways at New York Red Bulls, delivered opening remarks, led a skills session and spent time meeting players, coaches and families.

Ross Embleton, head of talent identification at West Ham United, also gave words of inspiration to the players before featuring in the presentrationh ceremony.

Natasha Scotland Courcy, the chief executive and general counsel of Athene Life Re, was pleased to see Bermudians come together for the preseason tournament.

“We are proud of the success of the first Athene Youth Kickstart Cup,” she said.

“Football has always united people in Bermuda, and it was inspiring to see thousands from across our community come together this past weekend. We are excited for next year.”

In the under-seven division, Boulevard Blazers were champions for boys while Warwick Football Academy claimed the honours for girls.

Dandy Town won the under-nine boys with WFA Napoli the winners in the girls for the same age group.

For the under-11s, the boys’ title went to Junior Kix Stars White, and WFA Manchester triumphed among the girls.

Trophies and medals were presented to the top two teams in each age group.