Five female footballers have ‘scored' big following last weekend's matches against the New York Hota team.

Shuntae Todd (PHC), Cheyra Bell (Lady Cougars), Shonte Russell (Dandy Town), Sabrina Crockwell (Boulevard) and Warwick Academy student Genesis Edwards - who represented the High School Select - impressed the visiting outfit so much that they have been invited on Hota's summer tour to Ecuador.

The Bermudians, aged 13 to 16, will turn out for Hota - one of the top girls' programmes on the East Coast - during that team's five or six matches against top clubs and the national women's side in the South American nation in July.

“It's an excellent opportunity,” stated tour organiser Eugene Joell who was instrumental in bringing Hota to Bermuda to give local women's soccer a vital boost ahead of the Island Games.

“I guess they (Hota) were impressed with what they saw over the last few days. These girls were chosen on the basis of their performances and because of their ages. We hope they will develop to go on and play at a higher level. That's why we focused on the 13-16 age group.”

He stressed greater opportunities could arise should the Island's teenagers shine in Ecuador.

Bell - one of those selected by Hota - expressed “shock” at the news.

“I didn't expect this at all. I didn't know they were looking for players. I thought they were just coming to play some games,” said the 16-year-old Bermuda Institute student.

The promising striker - adjudged Most Valuable Young Player (Women) at last Saturday's annual Bermuda Football Association awards - was particularly stunned as she felt she only excelled in one of her three games against the New York side.

“I had a pretty decent game for the League Select but I didn't think I was up to par in the national team's games.

“I'm really excited to be going to Ecuador and I'm looking forward to meeting and playing with the Hota members because we didn't really have a chance to meet them properly this time. It should be a much difference experience going on tour with them.”

Meanwhile, Hota's trip to Bermuda ended on a sour note as nearly $4,000 of club money earmarked for tour expenses was stolen from the team's guest house. Their treasurer discovered the theft yesterday around 7 a.m. and the police were summoned.

The touring party flew out of the Island later in the morning with one of their officials using a personal credit card to settle the outstanding bill.

“It was a positive, successful tour and opportunities came for five, young footballers but it was unfortunate the tour had to end that way,” lamented Joell, adding that the missing cash had been generated from Hota's fund-raising ventures.

“It's sad that a person or persons would spoil this event and do something like but I have talked to Hota's technical director and he is adamant that this would not affect our girls going with them to Ecuador.”

Joell said the New Yorkers were also keen on returning to Bermuda for future matches.