Former national football team captain Wendell (Joe) Trott yesterday welcomed Bermuda Football Association’s ambitious new $50,000 Legends Academic Football Scholarship programme with open arms.

Trott, a member of the Island’s first team to compete in World Cup qualifiers in 1968, was among those who applauded the Association in their efforts to recognise the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the sport in Bermuda while simultaneously using football as a vehicle to provide advanced educational opportunities for aspiring footballers.

“I think this is certainly something really worthwhile and something future generations can look forward to and I thank God for it,” said Trott, also a member of the Bermuda team that captured a bronze medal at the 1974 and 1978 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

“I think this is very touching because as an amateur you play the game for the love of it and it’s good to be recognised for all of the hard work you put into it.”

The BFA have set aside a total of $50,000 that will go towards supplementing higher education — either locally or abroad — for all successful applicants that meet the necessary requirements to be considered for various scholarships to be awarded in the name of former elite footballers and administrators.

Only applicants registered with a BFA-affiliated club or the Bermuda Referee Association (BRA) are eligible to apply for the scholarship programme that has also met by the approval of Sports Minister Randy Horton.

“I think that the BFA have taken great steps in recognising those who have come before them who have made a significant contribution to the sport in Bermuda,” said the former New York Cosmos striker.

“Often I’ve said we don’t recognise what others have done and so to connect scholarships with the names of people who have contributed to sport in Bermuda is indeed very significant.

“The BFA is fulfilling a promise they made to the Government as a part of their strategic plan, and this is a project I am happy to see moving ahead.”

In recognition of the significant role football plays in the local community, Government reached a historic decision earlier this year to fund the BFA’s various programmes to the tune of $15 million dollars — promised over a five-year period.

According to BFA president Larry Mussenden, the Association have an “obligation” to focus their attention beyond the football arena itself.

“We believe in providing opportunities for our footballers to realise their academic aspirations,” he said.

“We thank the legends for their contribution to football over the many years and look forward to our registered players continuing to use football to enhance their lives through academic excellence.”

This year’s scholarship awards are to be dedicated in honour of the following BFA legends: Former BFA president Rueben Alias, former BFA administrator Dudley Eve, club administrator and educator Diane Hunt, former West Ham star striker and BFA technical director Clyde Best, educator and long-serving sports administrator Earl (Gabby) Hart and former national team skipper Trott.

“My father (Dudley Eve) always had an affinity towards young football players. He always believed that education was important and so I think if he was around today he would cherish something like this,” commented former PHC Zebras coach Alfie Eve, son of the late BFA administrator.

“And I strongly encourage any youngster today to strive for one of these scholarships because if you don’t have an education then your choices in life are very limited.”

In the future the Association will select and dedicate the next set of scholarship awards honouring local football legends. But in order for applicants to be considered for the scholarships, applications must be collected from BFA offices on Cedar Avenue, accurately completed and returned to the Association’s secretariat no later than the July 13 deadline.

“We encourage our footballers to apply for the scholarships,” Mussenden added.

“And we also encourage them to continue their education so that they can make a positive contribution to Bermuda.”