Michael Joynes, a Bermudian American football player, has accepted a scholarship to attend Sterling College in Kansas.

Joynes, 17, the son of former Southampton residents Michael and Gayna, hopes to major in the business administration while playing for the Sterling College Warriors.

Sterling College is a Christ-centred liberal arts school with students from 32 states, and is part of the Kansas College Athletic Conference and an National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school.

The Warriors won their conference championship this year and are looking for continued success in the autumn when the new season starts in the fall.

Andy Lambert, the Warriors head coach, said: “We are pleased to add Michael Joynes to our team this fall. We look forward to continuing to strive for success and character building in our programme.”

Joynes, whose parents now live in Kissimmee, Florida, is a graduate of Liberty High School, in Osceola County, Florida. He played for Liberty Chargers last season on both the offensive line and defensive line as well as on special teams. He made 51 tackles and had 11 sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Joynes also participated in track and field, finishing fourth at the Walt Disney Invitational in shot put and second at the Districts, which placed him in the regional competition.