Ten of Bermuda's best young footballers are heading to the United States for the 2009 Prep School Tour as they look to develop their skills, both on and off the pitch.

The scheme will see Bermuda Football Association (BFA) send Dominique Richardson (17), Donte Allen (17), Jaylen Bean (15), Jonte Smith (15), Donte Albouy (16), Shakeem Albouy (17), William White (14), Shachkeil Burrows (14), Quintino Lema (14) and Donte Brangman (15) to Prep Schools throughout the New England area from September 5 -11.

The tour will expose each player to a series of visits to an established network of top schools and provide an opportunity for them to secure financial aid packages and sponsorships for joining one of the schools.

Devarr Boyles, BFA youth director will accompany the players. "We are looking forward to this tour and the selections were made on merit, based on the player's on-field performance and their success in maintaining high academic grades in their various schools," said Boyles.

"This is one of the many initiatives that the BFA is implementing to strengthen the player development process by providing exposure to young players to world-class training opportunities and an overseas education."

The trip has been financially supported by Capital G.

BFA president Richard Calderon said: "There is no doubt that player development is seen as critical to the success of football in Bermuda.

"We have put in place a number of initiatives that will nurture young players, offer them critical support and expose them to international standards."