Bermuda Football Association (BFA) have made a number of changes to the third edition of the Legends Scholarships Awards programme, which helps young players further their development at university or college overseas.

As part of the changes, the BFA will hand out seven as opposed to six scholarships, increase the amount of funding and abolish the previous ruling which permitted only one female to receive an award.

Previously, the BFA allotted $50,000 for the two-year period in which the scholarships ran, but now they have increased that total to $75,000.

Scholarship amounts range between $5,000 and $15,000.

In the past the programme had only one scholarship designated specifically for a female but this year the best applicants will be awarded regardless of gender.

Former Devonshire Colts coach and honorary life vice-president Donald Dane, along with arch-nemesis from Somerset Trojans, Conrad Symonds, both have scholarships valued at $15,000.

Leroy "Nibs" Lewis, former head coach and president of Pembroke Hamilton Club, has a scholarship valued at $15,000 per year.

Former secretary to Dane at Colts, Sonia Holder, was honoured with her scholarship, which is valued at $10,000 per year, while the late Hon.Hugh Richardson, a former president of the Devonshire Recreation Club, has a scholarship valued at the same amount.

Austin "Cheesy" Hughes and Eversley Lewis, a former winger for Aberdeen FC in Scotland rounded out the scholarships with both being valued at $5,000 per year.

BFA general secretary, David Sabir, said: "The Association's Strategic Plan "Rebuilding the Competitiveness of Bermuda Football" has a major focus on combining the athletic and academic qualities of our young players by providing a number of significant and key initiatives that will seek to enhance their pursuit of excellence as a football player."

The Legends Scholarship documents can be found on the BFA's website at www.bermudafa.com or from the BFA offices on 48 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton. Completed application forms must be returned to the BFA Secretariat no later than the deadline of May 29 before 5 p.m.

Only those students/football players that are currently registered with the BFA will be eligible for consideration.