Young footballers heading overseas
Some of Bermuda’s talented young footballers will soon be leaving the island to pursue their careers abroad.
Deane siblings, Kiara and Kobe, together with Julian Casey are joining Trinity School’s elite football programme in England.
Kiara was named in the Bermuda under-17 women’s team for the final round of World Cup qualifiers in Costa Rica this year
“Trinity School is delighted to announce a new addition to the Elite Football Programme for the 2026-2027 academic year,” the school announced.
“Kiara Deane joins Trinity and adds a wealth of ability to our growing girls programme. Kiara is an international student from Bermuda. Kiara was highlighted as a high potential student-athlete at a recent showcase event in Bermuda.”
Kobe, like his sister, was also scouted at the showcase, which was hosted by Raising The Bar.
“Kobe Deane joins Trinity and adds a wealth of ability to our programme,” the school said.
Casey, a young goalkeeper, is playing for PHC and is also refining his skills at Just For Goalkeepers Academy, founded by Dandy Town and Bermuda goalkeeper Jahquil Hill.
“Julian Casey joins Trinity and adds a wealth of ability to an already strong goalkeeper provision,” the school said.
JFG Academy expressed excitement over Casey’s impending switch to the English school.
“At JFG Academy, it’s bigger than football,” the academy said.
“We take pride in seeing our goalkeepers grow academically, personally and athletically. Proud of Julian and excited for this next chapter with Trinity elite. Keep striving for excellence on the field and in the classroom.”
Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s men’s football head coach Mesut Mert on Tuesday announced the commitment of Sami Carolo to his team’s line-up for the upcoming 2026 season.
An attacking midfielder, the 17-year-old joins the Huskies out of Mount Saint Agnes Academy and Robin Hood. Last year, Carolo was part of Bermuda’s squad for the Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship qualifiers.
“I chose Saint Mary’s University because it offers a great academic environment and a football programme that will help me develop as both a player and a person,” said Carolo, whose parents are St Mary’s graduates.
“I’ve also heard that Halifax is a great city and since both of my parents attended Saint Mary’s and I have family currently living there, it feels like the perfect fit for me.
“The coaching staff and team culture made it feel like the right place to continue growing on and off the field. My goal is to contribute to the team’s success through hard work and dedication while continuing to improve my skills and represent the Huskies with pride.
“SMU’s coach Mesut Mert made me feel very welcome when I took a trip to Halifax to look at Saint Mary’s in February. He gave me the opportunity to train with the Halifax Wanderers youth team and the level was intense and a lot quicker than what we play here in Bermuda. I’m looking forward to the challenge to raise my game to a new level.”
Carolo, who will be studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at the Canadian university, was recently named the Young Player of the Year at the Bermuda Football Association Youth Awards. He was also recognised as the under-18 Most Valuable Player for the second straight year.
Also joining Carolo in Halifax is Isai Gibbons. An FC Bascome youth player, the 17-year-old has been a regular feature for St George’s Colts in the Premier Division.
In February this year, the forward was named in the Bermuda squad for the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Qualifiers in Costa Rica.
Gibbons will also be studying a Bachelor of Commerce at St Mary’s, with plans to major in Management. He also has family roots at the institution.
“I am very excited to commit to Saint Mary’s to play soccer and I believe that I can bring something special to the team,” said Gibbons, whose father graduated from St Mary’s in 2006.
“I look forward to getting on the pitch, settling into a new environment and building a relationship with my new team-mates.”
