Just months after breaking into the first team of his Island soccer side, teenager Raymond Beach has landed a three-year scholarship at English First Division outfit, Preston North End.

The move represents a meteoric rise for the 16-year-old who was playing for Dandy Town last season before being snapped up by North End.

Confirmation of the deal was faxed to assistant national team coach Mark Trott, who has been instrumental in helping a number of Bermudian players secure trials with professional sides in England recently.

And the news follows hot on the heels of the offer of a 12-month professional contract by the same club for international Steven Astwood.

Astwood is currently waiting for a work permit to allow him to play for North End after impressing in a number of pre-season matches.

The offer for Beach allows the youngster to play for Preston's youth team whilst also continuing with his education.

"It is tailor-made so that football does not restrict his academic development,'' Trott said.

The news was broken to Beach yesterday morning during a phone call with Trott.

"I would say he was a bit over the moon,'' said Trott, who added that Beach was not someone who wore his heart on his sleeve.

The opportunity represents a huge move for somebody so young, but Trott said he was sure Beach would handle it well.

As well as the obvious cultural differences, Beach will also find the climate in the North-West of England a huge difference to that in his homeland.

"He will find out quite quickly,'' said Trott, "Especially when the winters kick in. But it will be a perfect experience for him.'' Trott said the news was also hopeful for fellow trialist Tommy Carter, currently with Second Division side, Luton Town.

Tokia Russell was set to try out for Brentford today, he said, before joining Rohaan Simons for a trial at Welsh outfit, Swansea City.

Trott said he wanted to thank Bermuda Football Association and in particular General Secretary David Sabir for assistance in recent months.

"He has played a really important role,'' he said.

It would seem now that all that stands in the way of the Islanders realising their dream of becoming professional soccer players is the granting of work permits.

But Trott said he was optimistic of a favourable outcome.

"I have a feeling deep inside myself that things will work out,'' he said.