Zhani Burgess has become the latest Bermudian to join the professional ranks in England after signing for Notts County in Sky Bet League Two.

The 19-year-old defender from Hamilton Parish is a product of the FCV International Football Academy, in Leicestershire, where youngsters between the ages of 14 and 21 combine full-time training with first-class education in the hope of joining the paid ranks.

Burgess and fellow Bermudian Milai Perott, a 19-year-old goalkeeper out of Dandy Town, have been on trial with Notts County since the beginning of the season.

“After a successful trial period, Zhani has signed to play for Notts County’s B team for the 2023-24 season,” said Sam Nicholls, the academy’s head of marketing, who added that the defender attracted interest also from Championship team Sheffield Wednesday and Scunthorpe United, now a sixth-tier club in Vanarama National League North.

Congratulations to FCV defender Zhani Burgess🇧🇲, who has signed a contract with English League Two highflyers, @Official_NCFC 🤩

Everyone at FCV wishes Zhani the best of luck 🤞#fcvacademy@FCVGraceDieupic.twitter.com/1bDjHybIl5

— FCV Academy (@FCVAcademy) October 19, 2023

Burgess is quickly said to have been on the radar of national coach Michael Findlay, whose scouting network at the Bermuda Football Association is keeping track of him and several of the many other young players attempting to take the next step up.

Nicholls confirmed: “Zhani has been in talks with members of the national team staff to discuss his progress and potential to represent his country.”

Burgess and Perott, who has received positive feedback from his ongoing trial, are part of the academy’s Football with Education programme, where those who are successful come away with a BTEC Extended Diploma — the equivalent of three A levels — and a pathway to higher education for degree study.

Both played key roles in the semi-professional senior team, who feature in the Nottinghamshire Senior League first division as FCV Grace Dieu.

“They consistently gained praise for their performances with the team,” said Nicholls, who noted that Bermudians’ status in Britain has helped to facilitate head coach Shane Clarke’s efforts to gain them opportunities at professional clubs in the Football League.

Notts County are notable not only for being the oldest club in English football, established in 1862, but have in their history a slew of famous former players and managers, and most recently hit the headlines for the rumoured takeover bid by superstar singer Taylor Swift.