Bermuda Hogges' playmaker Nahki Wells has decided to further his football education at The International Academic and Soccer Academy (IASA) in the United Kingdom.

The four-year course will allow Wells to pursue an American degree while developing his football skills with top level coaching and against quality professional youth academies including Manchester United and Leeds United.

Former Middlesbrough striker John Hendrie and ex-Hull City target man Dean Windass are among the coaches who will be putting the 19-year-old through his paces.

Wells, an ex-Ipswich Town trialist, has long-harboured a move to England and hopes the West Yorkshire-based IASA will provide him with a springboard into the professional ranks.

"(The IASA) is a mixture of high academics and football. It's a big opportunity for me and I can't wait to start," said the Dandy Town man.

"The way the system is set up is to offer players plenty of exposure to a professional club and I'm sure it will enable me to develop as a player."

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) recommended the IASA, in association with Richmond, The American International University, to Wells.

Its brochure reads: "The International Academic and Soccer Academy allows students the best of both worlds: a top quality academic programme while living and playing in a true soccer culture.

"The UK is a natural fit for the North American soccer player, both culturally and for living with the best league in the world and the excitement that brings, on a year-round basis."

Confidence is high for Wells going into his debut season with the Hogges having finished as the Premier Division's top goalscorer as well as winning the MVP award.

He is likely to be deployed in a 'free role' behind the strikers by coach Scott Morton when Hogges take on Reading United at BAA Field next Friday at 7 p.m.

"I've played a number of positions for Dandy Town, striker and out wide, but it seems as if the coach will stick me behind the main strikers. In training that's been my main position and it suits my style of play. It will give me plenty of freedom," he said.

For Wells, Hogges' Premier Development League (PDL) season will offer him the perfect platform to showcase his talent outside of Bermuda.

"My confidence is high after my performances for Dandy Town last season, but I'm sure all of the other players are feeling confident as well," he said.

"This is the highest level I've played at and it will be good for me to show what I'm capable of.

"We will be playing against the best youth players in America and it will show me what level I'm at."

¦ Khano Smith played 90 minutes in New England Revolution's 4-0 defeat by Benfica at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday night.

Filipe Menezes, Sidnei, Cesar Peixoto and Alan Kardec scored for the Portuguese champions.