Jadae Steede-Hill is the beneficiary of an exciting new partnership between the Bermuda Football Association and PartnerRe.

The Berkeley Institute student is the first recipient of the Kenneth “Smokey” Thompson Athlete Sponsorship Award to be awarded annually to a National Academy player selected by the National Academy coaching staff.

Steede-Hill has been granted $5,000 to cover costs for her to train at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida this summer.

The defensive midfielder’s ultimate ambition is to play professionally and views the opportunity to broaden her football horizons at the IMG Academy as a “huge” step in her quest.

“I’m hoping to become a professional soccer player and possibly play for a professional soccer team in the United States,” Steede-Hill, the daughter of former Devonshire Colts forward Clevon Hill, said.

“I feel that this is going to be a huge opportunity and eye-opener for me and I hope to do well out there and bring back different tactics from IMG.”

Maurice Lowe, the BFA technical development director, said Steede-Hill was a “unanimous selection”.

“I just want to congratulate Jadae on this occasion for her efforts,” Lowe said. “She was a unanimous selection from the National Academy staff coaches which speaks to her ability and also her character and work ethic.

“I wish her all the best that she goes and puts her best foot forward and gives a good representation of us, the National Academy, PartnerRe and definitely Bermuda.”

Tanika Wade, head of human resources at PartnerRe, said the company has been keen to honour the legacy of late colleague Thompson and his passion for football by giving back to the community since his passing three years ago.

“We are pleased to work with the BFA to support Bermuda’s youth and the sport of football through an award in Smokey’s name,” she said.

“We congratulate Jadae as the recipient of this award and wish her much success in her travels to IMG Academy this summer and in her continued development as an outstanding athlete.”

Mark Wade, the BFA president, said the association “are very grateful” to join forces with PartnerRe and he is “very excited” to have this wonderful opportunity to aid in the development of National Academy players.

“I am very excited we are going to be able to support players from the National Academy travelling to an intensive training at IMG Academy,” the former PHC player and coach said.

“The support will enable the BFA to add another opportunity for our National Academy players to continue their football development.”