Local footballers between the ages of 16 and 18 who don?t possess high school diplomas are being offered a second bite at the cherry.

In a joint initiative involving the National Training Board (NTB) and Bermuda Football Association (BFA), 16 successful applicants will receive an opportunity to attain their General Education Diplomas (GEDs) or high school diplomas.

NTB and BFA officials held their first GED/Apprenticeship information/registration session last Wednesday at Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters on Union Street.

The purpose of the project is to provide an opportunity for young footballers to receive their GED certificate as a basis to pursue further technical training and academic studies.

So far a total of four youngsters have submitted applications in the hope of using the GED initiative as a bridge to success.

NTB senior official Sydney Gibbons along with BFA executive Cal Blankendal facilitated last Wednesday?s meeting. BFA affiliates were informed of the proposed partnership between the NTB and the BFA last month.

During the meeting each applicant was required to provide details regarding their interest, reasons for wishing to attain their GED and previous educational achievements. All four applicants ?exhibited a great desire to complete their basic high school education?, said Blankendal.

?Dr. Gibbons indicated to the young men that the NTB will be providing much more then a gateway to their GED. The emphasis is to attain the GED and ensure that all successful applicants continue onto the path of continued learning.

?After completion of the GED programme, there are opportunities via the Bermuda College and job/education apprenticeship certification.?

Gibbons encouraged all BFA registered youth players, who have not completed their high school education, to consider the opportunities being offered by the NTB.

He said: ?We urge all clubs, coaches and parents to ensure that their members and children receive an education to ensure their ability to be a productive citizen of Bermuda.

?We acknowledge that each child is different and therefore offer this unique opportunity to the BFA-registered youth football players of Bermuda.?

The next registration session has been tentatively scheduled for January 19 at BIU headquarters. All BFA affiliates with eligible youth players have been asked to contact the BFA after December 21.