David Martin is pursuing his ambition of playing for Bermuda on the international football scene.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper is among those trying to force their way into Cecoy Robinson’s team, who are preparing for upcoming 2024 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship qualifiers in St Kitts and Nevis.

“The under-20s is a challenge definitely,” Martin told The Royal Gazette. “Playing with people three years older than me at this level is a challenge but I am definitely up for it. All I can do is try my best and train hard.”

Bermuda have been placed in group F, also featuring Jamaica, Grenada and Martinique, with all matches to be played at the SKNFA Technical Centre in Basseterre.

Robinson’s team will kick off their campaign against Grenada in their opening match on February 24 before taking on Martinique on February 26 and Jamaica on February 28.

Only the eventual group winner will advance to the 2024 Concacaf Men's Under-20 Championship, where they will be joined by the six pre-seeded top-ranked nations.

“Jamaica is definitely going to be a challenge just like the rest of the countries in the group,” Martin added. “We just have to treat it like another game and be strong.

“I truly believe if we have the heart and determination to qualify, we as a team can get that spot but it takes all of us. Can’t just be one person that has that, has to be all of us.”

Martin is inspired by the progress he and his fellow colleagues have made on the training pitch in preparation for the tournament.

“The training sessions the coaches are putting on for the guys definitely helps us get prepared for the upcoming international tournament in February,” he said. “All I am focusing on right now is trying to earn a spot on this team for the tournament.”

Martin was born in the United States but is eligible to represent the island because his father is Bermudian. He comes with great expectations having impressed playing in the United States with club side Maryland United FC.

“My career has been a fun journey with playing in the UK for trials, playing in Denmark for USA Capelli team, training with the Bermuda national team and travelling around the USA with my club team,” Martin added.

While the Northern High School student is eligible to play for the United States, he has long yearned to showcase his talents in a Bermuda shirt on the international stage.

“I have wanted to support my dad by playing for his country and I am making it my goal to help Bermuda qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

Martin also hopes to one day showcase his skills at the professional level and believes his previous experience playing as a striker works to his advantage.

“It gives me a head start if I’m thinking like a striker and knowing where they would go most of the time,” he added. “I used to play striker when I was about 8 and, in fact, I scored seven goals and had seven assists in one game.”

The promising player has made a seamless transition to his new position and continues to come on in leaps and bounds between the posts.

However, Martin’s talents exceed far beyond the football pitch. He has thrived in other sports.

“I have also played American football, basketball and baseball,” he said.

“I have played many other sports and have been great at all of them. But something about football stuck with me and I don’t regret my decision.”