Bermuda's top football personality believes his grassroots soccer festival could uncover the ‘next Shaun Goater'.

But the international striker, back on the Island for tomorrow's night warm-up game against Nicaragua, would never be so arrogant as to use that expression himself.

Goater, whose humility is as impressive as his goal-poaching, is being absolutely genuine when he says that running his annual festival gives him enormous pleasure and believes he is also being realistic in thinking that Island players could be picked up by talent scouts.

The week-long event, beginning on May 29, will once again see the Manchester City youth team come to the Island to both help out with coaching the Island's youngsters and to take on the national squad in what will be their final warm-up before heading to El Salvador for their World Cup qualifier.

But for Goater, it is putting on a festival of soccer for the Island's youngsters that is his main focus.

“When I was a kid I wanted to be involved in anything and everything to do with soccer,” said the Reading striker, who flies back to the UK on Thursday ahead of a vital clash against play-off rivals West Ham in a televised game on Saturday.

“And now I am in a position to provide something like that, I really want to put something on here in Bermuda. I want this to be an entertaining week for everyone, whether you are an elite player or you are just someone who loves playing soccer.

“There is going to be something for everyone with skills competitions for the youngsters, a corporate five-a-side, a women's tournament for the first time and then the Manchester City youth team taking on the national side in a warm-up game.

“I have worked hard to reach this stage of my career and I want to continue to give back.”

And Goater hinted that Manchester City, who confirmed their desire to come back within days of returning from last year's event, could be replaced next year with youth teams from a side such as Manchester United or Arsenal.

“I am keen to bring different teams down here over the years,” continued Goater, whose career in the UK began as a youngster with Alex Ferguson's men at Old Trafford.

“Coming over here isn't just for our benefit, I know that the Manchester City lads got a lot out of their trip here last time. You could see the players growing in confidence over the week as they worked with the youngsters.

“By the end they were walking around with a swagger and it is clear they all came away with leadership skills and a fresh outlook that can only help them progress in their careers.

“There are a lot of people in the UK interested in helping out and we would be looking to get a team from Manchester United or Arsenal in future years.”

And could his festival set another young Bermudian on the road to fame and fortune in the world's top domestic league?

“Exposing the players here to visiting sides can only help,” he continued.

“Obviously youth coaches come with the teams and if they see the talent on show, there is no reason why they couldn't try and organise a two-week trial if a player was showing the right promise.

“It can certainly do no harm to give the players exposure in this way.”

XL Capital are once again sponsoring the event which runs from May 29 to June 5 at the National Sports Centre. More details on the festival and entry forms for the soccer skills challenge, corporate five-a-side and women's events are available at www.shaungoater.net.