Bermuda’s youth footballers found the going tough at the recent Dallas Cup in the US.

Yet head of the local delegation, Mark Trott, believes the experience will pay huge dividends in the future.

The Island’s three national youth teams (Under-13, -14 and -15) all finished at the bottom of the pile in their respective groups.

Trott, however, feels that even in defeat Bermuda’s youngsters did the Island proud on their debut in the annual tournament that attracts top youth teams from around the world.

“The Dallas Cup itself was a great experience in all respects for our players. And the boys were a credit to Bermuda in the effort that they put in . . . and in none of the matches were they outplayed,” the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) technical committee chairman said.

“Our guys were placed in three tough groups. But I think overall that was good because it gave us (technical staff) a good gauge as to where they actually are in terms of ability and skill.

“And I think the guys did well in their matches, but just were unable to put their chances away. But I think they all learned something from this experience.”

Tournament rules stipulated that all competing national teams had to be grouped with teams one-year their senior. But despite the age difference, Bermuda’s youngsters still acquitted themselves well on the pitch, Trott said. And now he hopes to see Bermuda represented at the popular tournament annually.

“Obviously we will sit down and review the tournament,” Trott added. “And I know for a fact that this is something we will look to continue competing in.”