Promising St.David's fast bowler Stefan Kelly has moved one step closer to realising his lifelong dream of becoming a professional cricketer.

Thanks to the efforts of Bermuda Cricket Board and generous financial support from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, the right-arm fast bowler is heading overseas to continue his development.

The 14-year-old Warwick Academy student was yesterday presented with a $30,000 scholarship to attend Oakham School in Leicestershire, England over the next two and a half years.

The gifted athlete will depart for the UK this Saturday to begin studies at the prestigious school where he will also receive premium cricket coaching and access to some of the finest grounds and practice facilities that England has to offer.

Accompanying the player to the UK will be proud mother Rochelle and BBC treasurer Neil Speight who also played a significant role in launching the Board's programme that places emphasis on promoting development of the complete athlete.

"We are delighted to be able to launch this pilot programme for one of our promising cricketers," said BCB president Reggie Pearman. "It is a continued theme of the BCB to promote the growth of the complete person, not just the cricketing aspects of a player's life. Stefan has proven himself to be an excellent candidate."

Kelly was a member of Bermuda's victorious Under-15 Americas championship team that competed in Orlando, Florida last summer. The aspiring fast bowler also emerged as the competition's joint leading wicket taker with ten wickets and was among six youth players invited to undergo entrance exams to Oakham.

"He has outstanding academic reports to date, has shown good deportment and behaviour and also featured strongly in the recent Americas championships in Orlando that Bermuda won. The costs of this programme are significant and a lot of work has been done to help pave the way for Stefan," said Pearman, who thanked the Bank of Bermuda for their continued support.

"We are delighted that the bank has taken a very positive and proactive role in supporting this venture as lead sponsor. Oakham School has also recognised the value of this venture and provided some support through reduced tuition fees," he added.

In recent years, Oakham has fast become one of the leading cricket schools in England. The school has high academic standards and has steadily ascended under the guidance of former England Test batsman Frank Haynes.

Also present during yesterday's presentation was Bank of Bermuda Foundation spokesperson David Lang.

"We are pleased to support the BCB in their vision for the development of the academic and sporting characteristics of an individual," said Lang. "This is a wonderful opportunity for Stefan and we wish him all the very best in his endeavours."