Log In

Reset Password

Nahki Wells inspires young footballers at Kickstart Cup

Junior Kix Stars White celebrate winning the under-11 boys title at the Athene Youth Kickstart Cup (Photograph supplied)

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.

Royal Gazette has implemented platform upgrades, requiring users to utilize their Royal Gazette Account Login to comment on Disqus for enhanced security. To create an account, click here.

You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.

Published October 02, 2025 at 6:30 am (Updated October 01, 2025 at 11:44 pm)

Nahki Wells inspires young footballers at Kickstart Cup

Users agree to adhere to our Online User Conduct for commenting and user who violate the Terms of Service will be banned.