English FA youth coach Graham Mills was blown away by the potentia demonstrated by some of the island’s top football prospects during a recent training camp he conducted on island.

More than 270 players from various age groups participated in the training camp held at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence from June 13 to 15.

“The application and enthusiasm shown by the players throughout the three days was outstanding,” said Mills, who serves as a youth coach developer at the English FA and is assistant coach of England’s Under-15 team.

“There were a number of standout performances from young players who demonstrated genuine potential. With the right opportunities, continued hard work and support, there is every reason to believe they can go on to do well in the game.

“There is a strong level of individuality in many of the players. They demonstrated athletic potential, technical competence and some exciting attacking qualities. The talent is there and it is important that they continue to be provided with opportunities to develop in addition to the good coaching they are receiving in their respective clubs.”

On the final day of the camp, Mills delivered a continuing professional development (CPD) workshop for local club coaches and Bermuda Football Association staff. Hosted by BFA technical director Maurice Lowe, the knowledge-sharing session was well attended and provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss player development pathways.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the event such a positive and impactful experience for all involved,” Mills said.

“There is clearly a huge passion for football in Bermuda and it was a privilege to re-engage with that after ten years.”

Mills’ assistants included full- time academy coaches Ryan Elton (Norwich City), Charlie Philpott (AFC Bournemouth) and Dan Carroll (Brighton & Hove Albion) and they were all impressed by the participants.

“The enthusiasm and commitment on display were excellent, with many of the boys attending multiple days and making the most of the opportunity to develop their skills,” he said.

“A few players caught my eye with their athleticism and potential and I hope they can follow in the footsteps of Ajani Burchall and Remy Coddington, both of whom I had the pleasure of coaching during their time at AFC Bournemouth before they went on to secure professional contracts elsewhere.”

Carroll said it was a “pleasure” to spend three days coaching in Bermuda and was delighted to see more than 250 young players take part in the sessions.

“I hope the boys enjoyed the event as much as I did and that the success of the event demonstrates that it is something we can bring back to Bermuda again in the future.

“I would like to thank the sponsors whose support made this trip possible. Their contribution helped create what I hope was a great experience for so many young footballers.”

Former AFC Bournemouth academy player Burchall, who has gone on to secure a professional contract in England, also attended the camp and served as an inspiration for participants.

“Role models such as Ajani show what is possible,” Mills said.

“Hopefully, among the 270 players we worked with this week, there will be more who follow a similar path in the years ahead.”

The training camp was hosted by the BFA and sponsored by Acrisure, Chubb and Rosemont Guest Suites. Bournemouth scout Andy Powell also helped organise the event which was free of charge.

“It’s always been my passion to provide free camps to the island’s youth,” he said.

“The talent is here on the island, it’s just a question of putting the talent in front of the right people.

“That’s always been my intention to give the youth of Bermuda a chance by bringing the coaches eyes to them.

We had the help of so many people, in particular Acrisure and Chubb who funded the whole camp, the BFA and all their staff who hosted it and volunteered their time, Paul Scope who shares my enthusiasm towards football in Bermuda, Bruce Barritt for providing free water and protein drinks and finally the Island itself for coming together, to make this event including a coaching CPD such a success with over 250 boys attending. “We hope to see you all againnext year.”