Youngsters hoping to combine football skills with further education spent last week impressing several US coaches attending the Bermuda Brazilian Football School’s (BBFS) college showcase.Held at the National Sport Centre, the showcase saw nine US college and professional academy coaches run the rule over local players aged between 11-21.The aim of the event was to provide pathways into further education for local players and make US college scouts aware of the Island’s talent.BBFS head coach Dennis Brown said: “We’re looking to showcase our young talent and also make our players aware of further education. It’s been a worthwhile week for the kids and well as the overseas coaches. They’ve been putting our players through their paces. We’ve also had classroom sessions making the players aware of how to get into college.“I know at least six or seven of the older players have impressed the coaches. As long as their school work is up to scratch then they will be able to take the next step.”Brett Mosen, from the Premier Development League (PDL) side Hamilton FC, helped assemble the coaches through his role with Coerver Coaching a global football coaching programme. He said he had invited four players to train at his camp in Toronto, Canada.“This weeks has been about exposing the players to the coaches,” he said, “It’s been about us identifying talent and letting them know what it takes to be a college player. There’s definitely a lot of talent here.”Dermot McGrane, from the Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, said he had identified several young players he would be monitoring over the next few years.“It’s been a great chance for us to look at players to bring into our institution,” he said. “We’re looking at 12 year olds and upwards and we will definitely be monitoring the progress of some of these players.“I’m familiar with Bermuda players who have played the Division One College level like John Barry Nusum there’s a lot of individual flair here.”Cal Blankendal, BBFS director, wants football on the Island to be used as a medium to help educate youngsters and turn them into well-rounded individuals.“This isn’t just about football because talent alone won’t get you into a US college,” he said. “This is about getting a college education and being able to support yourself and your family in the future. To get college scholarships you need to get grades.”The BBFS invited local schools to send their best student athletes to the showcase. Schools participating included Clearwater Middle School, Dellwood Middle School, Mount Saint Agnes, Sandys Middle School, Somersfield Academy, T.N. Tatem Middle School, Whitney Institute Middle School, Saltus Grammar School, Warwick Academy, CedarBridge Academy, and Berkeley Institute.Coaches attending the event, included Becky Burleigh and Alan Kirkup (University of Florida), Joe Pereira (Old Dominion University), Nick Glaser (University of Memphis), Gerry Austin (Oglethorpe University, Terry Foley (Bay Area Breeze/WPSL), Diane Drake (George Mason University), Dermot Jeff Bookman (Inside Soccer) and Mosen (Hamilton FC/USL).