Former Bermuda captain Maurice Lowe has joined the national academy's backroom team after being hired as a part-time coach.

The ambitious Somerset Eagles assistant started his new role this week and will work alongside the likes of Scott Morton, Gary Darrell, youth director Devarr Boyles and technical director Derek Broadley.

Lowe has been under Broadley's radar for sometime but had previously been unable to take up a post at Bermuda Football Association's (BFA) national academy because of other commitments.

Since hanging up his boots, the ex-Dandy Town defender has been learning the ropes on the training pitch and studying for his coaching qualifications.

He recently passed the UEFA B level three badge and is preparing to take his UEFA A licence.

His appointment will not affect his position as Kenny Thompson's assistant at White Hill Field.

"I am very excited about taking the role," said Lowe, who will train academy players born in 1996. "Coaching at the national academy will be a good progression for me in my journey as a coach.

"I think the national academy is a very positive step for Bermuda football and hopefully I can help move (local) football forward."

Broadley said he had been impressed with Lowe's "open-mindedness" and desire to improve his coaching résumé.

"I have had Maurice under the radar since I arrived on the Island," said Broadley.

"It was a case of having to wait until the time was right for him, we didn't want to put any pressure on him.

"I've spoken to him several times over the last month and he has managed to free up some time and it's great to get him onboard.

"I like the fact he's very open-minded, he knows Scott Morton and Devarr Boyles very well and wants to be part of the group.

"He spent a lot of time with us over the last ten days during the Clyde Best Invitational Tournament and he liked what we were doing."

The door remains open for local coaches with the suitable credentials to join the national academy, added Broadley.

"We're always looking for people to get onboard.

"People who show an interest and want to work at the national level should contact the technical department.

"Obviously they have to be suitably qualified and open-minded to some of the things we're trying to do at the national academy."

Earlier this month Andrew Bascome ended his brief stint as a part-time national coach as it clashed with his other commitments.

He hopes to reprise his role at the academy at the end of the domestic season.

He told The Royal Gazette recently: "What was happening was the (training) times were conflicting with my responsibilities at Saltus (Grammar School), so I will not be able to take over until April."