flown to England to learn more about education plans for the youngsters should they accept an invitation to attend West Ham United's Soccer Academy.

Having earlier this year spent the Easter holidays at Schools of Excellence with well known clubs in the London area, the possibility now exists for the two players to return in the new year -- but their parents insist they can't leave until plans for their education are in place.

West Ham have notified the parents that it will be necessary for the two players to take up full-time residency in England. Working in favour of the pair is the fact that both are considered to be good students who have grown to accept that academics must be put before soccer.

It was their school grades combined with fine soccer skills that prompted Bermuda Football Association's Technical Director, former West Ham striker Clyde Best, to land them a place in the Schools of Excellence.

Both are members of the Bermuda under-15 national squad. Hall, a goalkeeper, is 14 years-old and attends Mount St. Agnes and plays with St. George's juniors while Blanchette, a midfielder, who just turned 14 two weeks ago, attends Saltus Grammar School and plays for Somerset.

"These are two excellent students, they are good with their books and have a lot of soccer potential and they are keen. It's vital that our youngsters are given every opportunity to reach higher levels,'' said Best.

"West Ham manager Harry Redknapp liked them when he saw them and I am confident that they will do well once things are finalised. So many opportunities will lie ahead for them such as continuing to get a good education at boarding school and playing regularly with kids their own age and being well coached on a consistent basis.'' Best has close ties with several English teams, many of whom are being coached by his former team-mates at West Ham.