EIGHT of Bermuda's most promising football players graduated this week from the two-week-long Bank of Bermuda School of Excellence Programme overseen by Major Indoor Soccer League player David Bascome.

The eight players were selected to take part in the programme based on the leadership qualities they displayed at the week-long Bank of Bermuda Pro Soccer Clinic held earlier this month. They were also judged on their positive attitude and superior work rate during the clinic.

Bascome said: "In today's competitive environment you can no longer focus all of your energy into one area of your life. Colleges and recruiters are looking for the complete package and that means it is of the utmost importance that our young athletes become all-round successful people."

Under the direction of coach and school teacher Mike Williams, the eight players were required to complete a research project on the requirements and steps they needed to take in order to achieve their career goals.

They also took time out from their football training to help out at the Pembroke Rest Home where they spent time with the seniors and helped carry out maintenance and repairs.

In the evenings the youths joined the Bank of Bermuda College Prospect Programme which focused on mental and physical fitness and core conditioning training.

"To be a good player you must equally focus on your mental development, as your physical fitness will only get you so far," said Bascome.

Shannon Burgess, former Bermuda football captain who is the senior relationship manager at the Bank of Bermuda, said of the eight youngsters: "I am confident that all of them will not only walk away from this programme stronger, fitter and more confident in their playing ability but with a greater regard for teamwork and community spirit."

The eight players were: Idrees Sharrieff, 12,; Damali Bell, 14; Jonathan Briers, 13; D'Mitri Williams, 13; Kascia White, 14; Aaron Nelson, 14; Daryl Lounds, 12; and Eric LaVigne, 12.