Shaun Goater has set his sights on a new goal and some of the Island's soccer hopefuls could be set to benefit.

The 23-goal Bermudian, who went from humble beginnings at North Village to becoming one of England's most fearsome strikers, is aiming to assist others to follow in his footsteps with a little help from Manchester City team-mate and friend Paulo Wanchope.

Between the two stars they hope to set up Bermudian players with trials in Wanchope's homeland of Costa Rica in Central America.

Goater is a regular summer visitor here where he runs a soccer skills school in conjunction with fellow Bermudian David Bascome.

And although things are at an early stage, he says he hopes to expand his interest in the Island's youth next year by casting his eye over some of the country's would-be stars.

Bermudian players find problems trying to obtain work permits in England because the Island does not meet the criteria set down by the British Government.

PHC frontman Stephen Astwood was offered terms by Preston North End of Division One but the deal collapsed when he failed to get Home Office clearance, not because of doubts over his ability but because Bermuda is not in the top 75 soccer playing nations in the world.

Realising the problem and in a bid to put something back into a game that has given him so much, Goater is joining forces with Wanchope to offer an alternative avenue and so ensure good talent does not go to waste.

“We are trying to set people up with trials in Costa Rica because we believe it would a little bit easier than coming (to England),” Goater said.

“I would be acting like an agent in a sense and would scout players over the summer. I would have clubs send me a shortlist of say two players and then arrange one or two games.

“From that number I would then suggest two or three who I think might be capable of obtaining professional contracts in Costa Rica and then go from there.”

Goater said Wanchope liked to refer to himself as the “King of Costa Rica” and had contacts with many of the clubs there because of his exploits during World Cup qualifiers and his role at a high profile club like Manchester City.

“He knows people that are interested in getting players and is willing to get involved by providing all the necessary information not just on the clubs, but on the country as whole and such things as getting a Green Card and so forth,” he said.

Goater said Wanchope believed Bermudians would stand a good chance of making it in Costa Rica as many of that country's best players moved on to greener pastures when they made a name for themselves.

“He says the more established professionals in Costa Rica move on to Mexico where the game is bigger and they are better paid,” he said. As a result there is a void which Goater believes Island players would jump at the chance of filling.

“If players are wanting to be professionals then like me they would be willing to go anywhere in the world,” he said.

“Costa Rica is similar to Bermuda in its lifestyle and climate so it would be easier to adapt to than it was for me coming to England in April and saying ‘Woah, this is cold'.”

Goater said he also believed the style of play was more suited to the way it is played here.

“What I will be looking for is not what I would be looking for if someone was coming to England,” he said.

The 32-year-old Goater said working in this area was something he was considering when he finally hung up his boots.

“I am also looking to get contacts in America. Our fitness coach is well in with a lot of directors in the MLS (Major Soccer League) and hopefully I can get a link there for the future to enable me to go that way if I can,” he said.

Goater said he believed he was ideally suited for advising players on which roads to take and which not to.

“I think I know what a player needs, having been through it myself,” he said. “I know what support they need when on trial, what type of advice they need, everything from finances right through,” he said.