Bermudians completing the two-week programme.

Kanhai Armstrong, Matthew Cavelho, Stephanie Fleming, Joshua Mayho, Kyle Outerbridge, Jeremy Shrubb, Kirkland Simmons, Damon Swan and Niedel Swan were picked to participate after showing the most leadership, promise, discipline and team skills during tbe Bascome/Goater Clinic earlier in the month.

The players, aged 12-18, were presented with certificates after completing the programme which consisted of school, work placement and soccer skills.

The academy was run by professional players David Bascome and Shaun Goater and sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda. "This type of programme is common in other countries but this is the first time it's been offered in Bermuda,'' said Goater, who plays for Manchester City of the English Second Division.

Bascome, who plays indoor soccer for the Harrisburg (Pennsylvania) Heat, said players were monitored closely for tardiness; two incidents and a player was dismissed. "We wanted to encourage discipline and balance in players' lives,'' said Bascome, adding that one player did not complete the course.