The sky is now the limit for teenage PHC Zebras defender Marquel Waldron, the latest Bermudian footballer to be recruited by a US college.

That's the view of former teachers, coaches and family all present yesterday to witness the 18-year-old officially agree to terms of a letter of intent to attend University of West Florida on an athletic scholarship.

The senior national team player has come on in leaps and bounds after successfully completing a training camp with past World Club champions Internacional of Brazil, earning himself a recent call-up to the senior national team.

He also suited up for Vestavia Hills Soccer Club (VHSC) Under-18s where his uncle, Richard Todd, is current academy director.

Vestavia Hills have now formed a partnership with PHC that could see more Bermudian players recruited by US colleges.

"We hope to expand the opportunity to more players next year," Todd said. "Marquel came to Alabama where he played with the Vestavia Hills Under-18 boys team for the State Cup championships and helped them advance to the Final Four."

The player's father, PHC manager and club cricketer Cal Waldron, said: "I am very proud of Marquel and wish him well. He has been focused from the start and it's just a matter of Marquel applying himself a little more and at the end of the day he will be successful."

Waldron's equally proud mom Marlon, added: "Marquel has been a very focused individual from a young age. He could just about kick a football with his bow legs when he was a young boy - but look where it's brought him today.

"He's got the opportunity to play football and get an education at the same time and I wish him well."

Waldron's former teacher at Saltus Grammar School, Jon Beard, described his former student as a future asset for Bermuda football.

"Marquel is an intelligent young man and a good footballer and he now has an opportunity to put those two things together and come out with a great qualification," he said. "I think Bermuda is going to benefit from the football point of view."

PHC vice-president Mark Wade also endorsed young Waldron who will enroll at University of West Florida next fall.

"We are very excited about Marquel going off to college. This is definitely a proud moment for us and I congratulate him on behalf of the club," Wade said.

With the spotlight shining upon him, the smartly clad national team player thanked all those who have helped him along the way.

"I would just like to say thanks because without you all I wouldn't be able to achieve this," he said. "This is an excellent opportunity for me to continue my playing career and also get an education."