American Football try-outs led by a trio of former NFL stars are being held for young Islanders interested in becoming part of a newly created team called The Bermuda Kings.

Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Rickey Watts, ex-Washington Redskins linebacker Dale Butler and Ron Davenport, who played fullback for the Miami Dolphins, will be sharing their vast knowledge and pro-experience during coaching clinics at CedarBridge Academy Athletic Field over the coming weeks.

The sessions, which start today, will not only teach the fundamentals of American Football but also tackle social problems by providing a positive sporting project for local males aged between 12 and 18.

If the try-outs garner sufficient interest then organisers plan to take The Bermuda Kings on tour to the US to play competitive matches against high school opposition.

Anthony Witherspoon, from Lead Bermuda, a student leadership organisation behind the initiative, said the programme had been set-up to help students uncover natural leadership qualities and inspire a sense of personal responsibility.

"Youngsters will be taught specific American Football skills needed to become a successful college student athlete, while being taught important leadership qualities," said Witherspoon.

"This is a serious endeavour to get young Bermudian males to not only learn the fundamentals of American Football, but also positive life skills. We're really trying to reach out to that demographic and get young guys involved in a positive sporting project.

"We're fortunate to have three former NFL players in Rickey (Watts), Dale (Butler) and Ron (Davenport) living in Bermuda who are willing to share their knowledge with our youngsters.

"This is a long-term project and it would be fantastic if a few guys eventually earned a post secondary college athletic scholarship to play college football."

The try-outs are free of charge and will be staged at CedarBridge Academy Athletic Field between 3.45 p.m until 6 p.m, from Tuesdays to Fridays until Christmas.

Students must show proof of personal insurance coverage and a recent physical exam certifying no physical problems before participating.

For more information call Rickey Watts, athletic director at CedarBridge Academy, on 296-5665 xt.2154 or Anthony Witherspoon on 799-1452.