Whitney Institute Middle School will be the first of many schools on the Island to provide a football and life skills pilot programme courtesy of the Bermuda Brazilian Football School (BBFS).Sponsored by HSBC Bermuda, the programme will allow 20 youth players the opportunity to meet once a-week, starting from yesterday to April 4, with each player receiving 55 to 60 minutes of football along with lesson that will focus on anti gang, drug and bullying messages, money management, SAT awareness, safe usage of social networking and future career and further education interests.The programme is for on Middle School students aged 11 to14 who are at a key stage in their lives.HSBC will allow participants to attend the programme free of charge.The programme is the first of its kind and it is hoped that it can be rolled out to other middle schools in years to come.On hand for the announcement were BBFA CEO Cal Blankendal, HSBC CEO Phil Butterfield ann Whitney principal Reeshemah Swan.“The overall goal of BBFS is to use football as a motivational tool, to promote personal and team development, teach life skills and promote further education in a challenging, fun and drug free setting,” said Blankendal.Butterfield added: “The healthy development of our youth both on and off the football field is critical to the future prosperity of our community.“Teamwork, discipline and life skills when demonstrated through ‘play’ create life lessons that translate into positive professional experiences.”In addition to funding, HSBC Bermuda staff will also be getting involved and delivering life skills sessions.Khari Sharrieff, Business Product Manager at HSBC Bermuda and a recent inductee to the University of South Carolina Hall of Fame, will discuss the importance of teamwork and discipline and how these skills, learned on the football field, carry over to the workplace.Paula Marshall, Senior Business Development Manager, will also be involved, introducing the importance of money management and savings to the youngsters.