What started as a friendly festive season kick about on US soil has now blossomed into an annual derby that continues to grow in stature.

Two years ago organisers Roderick (Buddy) Bean and Lenny Wayne came up with the idea of pitting a local East and West select against each other to compete for the Bermy Cup in Orlando Florida. And the concept didn't take long to catch on as in a short period of time the event has grown in leaps and bounds having already lured former top Premier Division players to the US east coast over the festive holidays.

This year former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater will be the star attraction at the Florida Central Fairgrounds which will play host to an all local East versus West derby on Boxing Day. On December 30 the Islanders will face off against their American counterparts for bragging rights before the curtain comes down on what organiser Bean anticipates will be another hugely successful event that will see proceeds from tee shirts sold during the matches go towards school funding for Bermudians studying in Florida.

So how did it all get started?

"Two years ago a few Bermudians including myself were in Florida playing football against some guys from England. And from there we decided to stage a match and see what the response would be and last year we had a very good turnout," Bean said.

All matches are 11-a-side affairs and played over a full 90 minutes, with the local West team comprised of players residing from Dockyard to Hamilton and the remaining parishes making up the East team.

"It's a local derby played overseas," Bean added.

East are this year's defending champions having beaten their West counterparts in a high-scoring affair in the inaugural contest.

The Fairgrounds venue may be a far cry from the new City of Manchester Stadium. But that doesn't seem to bother Goater in the least as the former pro remains keen to have a kick about in the sunshine state - that is should wife Anita permit the City icon to lace up while on a Christmas family trip to the magical world of Walt Disney.

"I'm going over with the family for a little Mickey Mouse and all of that and only found out through a relative who is also going to be involved in this game," Goater said. "So I'm looking to have a good run around and also have some fun . . . as long as they are not looking for a goalkeeper."

Event co-organiser Wayne hopes to break the five-minute barrier this year.

"It's more fun than competition for people like me who can only last five-minutes or so," he smiled. "But some players do have a football history and come with lots of tricks while others like me just go out there and enjoy the occasion."