Five student-athletes are the latest beneficiaries of the Bermuda Football Association Legends Scholarship.

Katherine Bean-Rosario, T’syi Showers, Amir Brangman-Johnson, D'Ari Coddington and Dakari Smith-Davis were presented with $5,000 each worth of funding on Thursday. These funds will assist the five to reduce the cost of their studies abroad, while at the same time pursuing their football careers.

Bean-Rosario, the only female beneficiary, is using the funds to cover her studies at Hampton University, Virginia. The Bermuda under-20 captain received a scholarship honouring Sakena Clarke, a former Rude Girls and Bermuda player.

“It feels really great to receive this scholarship,” the 19-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“It’s definitely going to help ease some financial burden for my mother. My schooling this year is a lot more expensive, so all these funds are going towards my studies.

“Being able to honour a legend, represent her and the Bermuda Football Association is really awesome.”

Clarke encouraged Bean-Rosario not to lose focus on her studies because her education would come in handy when her football career ended.

“Education is the key because the ball will keep rolling,” she said. “I wish all the recipients all the best as they strive further and harder.”

PHC midfielder Showers, who was given a scholarship celebrating Dennis Brown, has committed to Thomas College Waterville, Maine.

Brown, an ex-Somerset Trojans captain, had some words of wisdom for Showers and other recipients.

“What I would like to say to the guy players, talent is just one thing,” the former Bermuda coach said.

“Football has taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork and resilience. It’s not always going to go your way but how you react when the chips are down is what matters.

“The next generation of footballers must stay humble. Just because you got these awards doesn't mean you must get distracted, you must stay focused and resist temptations.

“They must also use football to build character. Football builds and reveals character, it will reveal what type of person you are when the chips are down.”

Coddington, the Bermuda Under-17 defender, was awarded a scholarship in honour of Erskine “Choe” Smith, a member of the island’s team that won a bronze medal at the 1978 Central American and Caribbean Games, held in Colombia. The 17-year-old is enrolled at The Williston Northampton School, in Easthampton, Massachusetts.

Brangman-Johnson received funding celebrating the exploits of Andrew Bascome. The national under-17 backline player is heading off next month to The Kiski School, in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, for three years of high school.

The 16-year-old, who was a member of the North Village team which won the BFA Under-23 Summer League, is seeking bigger challenges abroad.

“I feel like I’ve reached my ceiling in Bermuda and I’m going away to get better competition,’’ Brangman-Johnson said.

“I promise to make the most of this opportunity and continue striving towards my goals.”

Smith-Davis, another member of Aaron Lugo’s side for the Concacaf Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers at the beginning of the year, will use the funding at Hoosac School, in New York. His funding was in honour of Coolridge Bell, a former Bermuda forward.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, commended the recipients.

“To the recipients, you’re not here by accident but by merit,” the minister said.

“You've demonstrated academic promise and athletic ability. I urge you to carry forward the legacy of those that came before you and remember that you too have become a part of Bermuda’s football story.

“Let this scholarship be not about financial support but also a reminder of the responsibilities you carry.”

Shequita Parson, the chairwoman of the awards committee, outlined the process of choosing the final list.

“We had 16 applicants and 12 were shortlisted for interviews,” she said

“Selecting the final recipients was no easy task. The level of academic achievement, poise and clarity shown in their presentations was truly commendable.

“Many spoke with focus and purpose, showing not just intelligence but maturity beyond their years. While most presented with confidence and articulation, one area we noted for growth was a deeper understanding of the legacy of our past football players.

“Several applicants offered ideas on how we can breach the generation gap, showing both awareness and initiative.”