Tucker at Howard University, are expected to be on hand at Friday's All-Star secondary schools soccer match at National Stadium.

The coaches will be scouting local talent with a view to offering scholarships.

A wide range of institutions will be represented -- from community colleges to universities and colleges in Divisions I, II and III.

Since overseas coaches were first encouraged to attend the All-Star match many of Bermuda's top student-athletes have benefitted from personal contact with them.

Several Bermuda youngsters have acquired athletic scholarships while others have, for the first time, enjoyed the experience of interacting with college representatives.

A Bermuda School Sports Federation spokesman noted there were presently "at least half a dozen Bermudian students studying overseas on athletic scholarships -- all former All-Star players.'' He added: "Over the past six years at least 30 All-Star participants have received athletic scholarships. And that number excludes the numerous players who went on to smaller junior colleges which don't offer athletic scholarships.'' The overseas coaches will begin arriving today and those who have confirmed their attendance include: Dieter Fickin (Columbia University), Greg Hooks (University of Charleston), Keith Tucker, Curtis Landy (Howard University), Larry Strickland (tennis coach, Howard University), Ian Saunders (Essex Community College, Baltimore), Russ Fager (Rider College), Douglas Bradley (George Mason University), Barry Barto (University of Nevada), Lin Otten (Old Dominion University) and Mike Keller (Thomas College).

Tomorrow a reception will be held at the Stonington Beach Hotel for the players, their parents and the coaches. The All-Star match is scheduled for Friday at National Stadium starting at 7.30. The primary school All-Stars match will kick off at 6.00.

On Saturday, members of the public are invited to meet the coaches at Stonington.

"This invitation,'' added the BSSF spokesman, "may be something of interest to soccer players who have been out of school for a few years and are interested in pursuing higher education.'' The informal get-together will begin at 10.00 a.m. Interested individuals can contact Clint Smith at the Department of Education (295-5614 or 295-1983) or report to him on Saturday at Stonington.

GOAL-BOUND -- Keimar Curtis (right) of Victor Scott moves past a defender before firing the equalising goal in yesterday's primary schools nine-a-side soccer final at Somerset Primary. But his efforts were in vain as West End Primary won the match 2-1 thanks to a first half penalty from Nadir Wade and a late goal from Jonathan Bean.