The Bermuda Football Association and the FBT International Football Academy have entered into a mutually beneficial partnership with a view to benefiting the island’s young players and coaches.

FBT International Football Academy is part of FBT Europe, the sportswear brand and is chaired by Sir Rodney Walker, who is also the chairman of the British Basketball League.

The partnership will also look at ways to enhance the quality of coaching in Bermuda and further develop the network of coaches on and off the island.

The academy will look to hold two or four-week Talent ID camps in Yorkshire, England, three times a year.

The camps will target talented youngsters who wish to understand much more about professional football in order to pursue a career within the game.

FBT International Football Academy has excellent contacts and relationships in the world of professional football in England.

FBT academy spokesperson Liam Sutcliff said: “Our prospects are recruited from around the world.

“Our main objective is to provide a multicultural academy capable of providing a diverse range of opportunities in the world of professional football, with options to study while resident with our academy.

“Our players are with the academy on a full-time basis for up to two years. We have a track record of progressing players into professional football.

“In the last few weeks we have placed a player into a club within the Scottish Premiership. We look forward to working in partnership with the BFA on many levels for the development of Bermudian players and coaches.”

Mark Wade, the BFA president, added: “We are continually looking for development pathways for Bermuda players. The relationship with FBT adds another option to the menu of pathways to choose from.

“The FBT model provides player candidates with the experience of a professional football academy.

“We have followed the evolution of the FBT Academy from its beginning including the experiences of Bermudian players who attended the academy to experience life as an aspiring professional football player.

“The history and growth of the FBT academy is poised to develop into a respected organisation whereby the BFA is optimistic of seeing the relationship flourish via this partnership.