England today to start trials with English First Division club Preston North End.

PHC's 18-year-old striker Steve Astwood and 22-year-old Tokia Russell of Young Men's Social Club are due to start pre-season training with the north Lancashire club on Thursday morning, with an invitation to stay until August 13.

Both performed well in Bermuda's World Cup campaign this year and their opportunities came about through the perserverance of Mark Trott and the contacts of Clyde Best.

Trott, the assistant coach of the national team and head coach of the under-23s, sent off letters to a number of clubs in the First and Second Divisions and to Watford, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Watford manager Graham Taylor expressed an initial interest, as did Luton Town manager Lenny Lawrence.

But the input of former West Ham star Clyde Best, who on behalf of the two players called one of his contacts in English soccer, agent Barry McIntosh, paved the way for them going to last season's Second Division champions Preston.

Russell and Astwood heard about their opportunity 10 days ago and have both been putting in some fitness work on the beach and the track since to prepare for the gruelling weeks ahead.

Pre-season training is traditionally dreaded by English pros, the aim being to work them back to full fitness after their summer break.

"All my life this is what I've wanted to do,'' said Russell. "And it's thanks to people like Shaun Goater, Kyle Lightbourne and Clyde Best, who have paved the way for Bermudians in English football, that I have this chance.

"Whatever happens, at least I will always know I had the chance to fulfill my dreams.'' The confident Astwood expressed similar sentiments. "This is something I've always wanted and I'm pretty excited about it,'' he said. "I have competed against pros before and I think I'll do OK.

"I'll score goals anywhere, that will not be a problem.'' Russell, who excelled at right wingback for the national team this year, felt he had one attribute above all which would help him succeed in England.

"The English game is pretty direct and is one of the fastest paced games in the world,'' said Russell. "Speed helps a lot and that is one of my strengths.

"As long as my fitness comes through, I think I've got good pace and a good skill level.'' Preston are steeped in history and in the early years of soccer, in the late 19th century, they became one of the few clubs to manage the double -- winning the FA Cup and league title in the same season.

In the 50s, North End boasted one of England's finest wingers, Tom Finney.

Russell knew all about him.

"When Preston came over to Bermuda many years ago, my grandfather Earl (Townsey) Russell played against Tom Finney,'' said Russell.

He said his grandfather, plus his parents Anthony (Toe) Dill (a former Social Club and Hotels winger) and Jacqueline Russell and his uncle Bill had shown him great support during his football career.

And both players thanked Trott and Best for their part in earning them a shot at a professional contract.

Trott, who also played a key role in getting Goater and Lightbourne their first chances in England, said he had started firing off letters to clubs during the World Cup campaign in the Spring.

"I got some letters in return, but there were some grey areas to sort out.

Then Clyde said he had been speaking to a friend who could help, Barry McIntosh,'' said Trott.

"I thought if we had someone working with us who had friends within clubs, it would make life a lot easier. I've been working with Barry for a month or so.

Added Trott: "If we want to take football to the next level in Bermuda, we need to get more guys playing professional and collegiate football.

"What is obvious about both Steve and Tokia is that they have a burning desire to be professionals. And they are both young and at an age when they can make an impression.

"They could even spend a couple of years being groomed, as Steve would be only 20 by then and Tokia 24.

"They're both physically fit, strong boys and I'm glad they're getting this opportunity. It's a once in a lifetime chance and now they have got to do whatever's necessary. If the coach wants them to carry 100 pairs of boots to the locker room, that's what they will have to do.'' Former technical director Best was delighted his calls to McIntosh had borne fruit.

"I have known Barry a long time and I knew he would be able to help get our players a chance,'' said Best.

"Now it's up to them. If they display what they have displayed here, they will be OK. I think they can both do it. They will just have to work extremely hard.

"Bermuda needs more players in professional soccer if we want to improve.

Like I've been saying all along, the important thing is that football is the winner.'' Astwood and Russell will be hoping for a chance to show their talents during Preston's pre-season programme which includes friendly matches against Premier League Everton, Spanish top-flight side Athletico Bilbao, Livingston and Falkirk of Scotland and Glentoran of Northern Ireland.