Hamilton Parish’s squad of junior players left the island yesterday to compete in the Continental Cup International Youth Sports Festival in Cleveland, Ohio.

It is the fourth time Parish have competed at the four-day tournament, with their under-14 side winning the 2013 competition, while their under-10s claimed victory in 2010.

Nigel Burgess, a Parish youth coach, said he was confident they would continue their impressive tradition at the tournament.

“We have attended the tournament regularly and generally do pretty well in it,” said Burgess, the Premier Division side’s goalkeeper, who said the team were taking 28 players to Cleveland.

“This is a chance for our players to showcase their talents outside of Bermuda against kids who are the same age as them.

“Young players come from all over the United States, Canada, South America and Europe.”

The Continental Cup is considered the top international youth sports event in the US. It combines football, basketball and baseball, with more than 3,000 athletes taking part.