Soccer idol Shaun Goater has pleaded with Bermuda’s youth to stay out of trouble and off the stop-list.

Mr. Goater said he would not have enjoyed his successful career had he been on the list and said other people may never realist their ambitions if they were not able to travel freely.

The former Manchester City player was speaking at the launch of a campaign warning young people to stay out of trouble - especially if they want to work or study in the US.

Along with US Consul General Gregory Slayton, Mr. Goater helped to a ‘Keep Yourself Off The Stop-list’ contest to give the initiative a slogan as well as an original art design. It is open to all secondary school pupils.

The winner of the slogan category will receive two round-trip tickets to New York, on Jet Blue and the winner for the art design, will get two round-trip tickets to Washington DC.

Slogans must be five to ten words long and art-work no larger than 18in by 24in.

Mr. Slayton said: “Let me explain how to stay off the stop-list: Stay out of jail and stay out of trouble with the law and you will not be on the stop-list.

“We Americans are so honoured to be here in Bermuda and about 500,000 American tourists will come to Bermuda this year.

“We’re equally blessed to have many Bermudians that visit the United States but unfortunately, some cannot visit because they’re on the stop-list and I want to emphasise the importance of preventing this.

“I’m honoured to have Shaun Goater — a life-long fighter for Bermuda’s youth — who will help us in getting the message to young people on the importance of staying off the stop-list.

“If you go to high school in Bermuda and have a slogan that you think will really catch your friends’ attention to help them stay off the stop-list, we want to know about it.

“We want to use that slogan to put it on Dunkley’s Dairy milk cartons and posters for the next year.’’

Mr. Goater added: “I take great pleasure in being involved in this campaign. It’s a very important initiative, which I’m fully behind 100 percent.

“Growing up, I knew that playing football was what I wanted out of life. I had high ambitions and I wanted to play football in a bigger arena than this Island.

“Lots of youth may have the same ambitions and while it’s a good goal, you must have a plan and the ability to execute it.

“Part of the plan is being able to travel — which will often be to and through the United States.

“The bad news is that you might not be able to travel there if you have a criminal conviction. This will stop you cold, as it’s very likely your name will be on the stop-list.

“I encourage young people to think ahead now, so you will not be disappointed later, as one mistake now, can change the course of your entire life.”

Those entering the competition, should bring their slogan or artwork, to the US Consulate on Middle Road, Devonshire, between 8.a.m. and 4.30p.m. or e-mail to the new address: stoplistcampaign[AT]state.gov.

All submissions should be accompanied by the person’s name, age and school. For more information, log onto http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov.

Winners will be announced at the Consulate’s Independence Day Celebration on June 30, at Moresby Plain, in Sandys Parish.