Bermuda's young soccer talent could well be learning from a trio of the Island's top footballers next week if Shaun Goater gets his wish.

The Manchester City superhero has invited fellow pros David Bascome and Kyle Lightbourne to assist him in the inaugural Shaun Goater Grassroots Soccer Festival from June 2-8. Bascome, who plays for the Harrisburg Heat in the USA, and Lightbourne - recently released by Macclesfield in England's Division Three - have given the nod to coming home and helping their colleague in his new venture.

"They have said okay, if their times can allow that," said Goater yesterday at the Festival's official launch at XL House.

Apart from the coaching services of Bermuda's leading pros, participants will have a chance to rub shoulders with Goater's City team-mate and fellow striker Nicolas Anelka and bid on T-shirts autographed by the game's top stars.

"Shirts signed by Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Thierry Henry, (Nicolas) Anelka and one of my shirts. It (the proceeds) will all go towards improving the whole event," explained Goater who says he is excited about the project.

The week-long camp will include three days of skills challenge for children and adults at three schools across Bermuda and two matches involving Manchester City's Youth Academy team against Bermuda's Under-18 squad and a Bermuda Select team coached by Goater.

"It's great motivation for Bermuda's youth to see where they are and where they stand against English opposition - players that are likely to go on and do very well and play for, not only Manchester City or professional clubs, but for England as well," said Goater of the purpose of the two matches.

The 33-year-old who is expected to sign with another club over the summer said that in all the football programmes he had been involved in here "the feedback has been that we need programmes that will raise the profile and the awareness of football in Bermuda."

"That's the whole idea," he said, adding that the possibility existed that youngsters who shines during the Festival could get a shot at a trial in England.

Officials from companies sponsoring the soccer extravaganza, including XL Capital, Lindo's Group and the Bermuda Telephone Company (BTC), also addressed yesterday's press conference, expressing unconditional support for the Festival.

XL President Brian O'Hara said his company was pleased to team up with Goater and allow him to "come back and show his leadership skills . . . and what it takes to be a great performer on the world stage".

BTC chief executive Francis Mussenden noted that "many of the youth in Bermuda will be looking to try and benchmark themselves against what Shaun has accomplished".

Lindo's Manager Zachary Moniz noted the supermarket chain had been associated with Goater since the latter was a teenager and this latest endorsement was an extension of that relationship.

Meanwhile, Goater said there had been no developments in his bid to leave Manchester City in search of first-team football.

"I still have a year left with Manchester City. Any club that's interested (in me) have to agree a fee with Man City then I can go and talk to that club," said the top striker, adding that all he knows about any interest is what has been reported in the media.

"I've read about Sunderland but how I will know something has happened is when Man City say to me `We have agreed a fee, you can go and talk to them' but at the same time I can still say `No, I don't wish to go there'."