A mural featuring former professional footballer Clyde Best aims to inspire young Bermudian sportsmen and women to greatness.

A team of 20 artists has united to paint a 142ft by 9ft wall along Clyde Best Lane in Somerset, which they hope to complete in time for Cup Match.

Barbara Dillas, artist and co-ordinator, said: “We wanted to design an internationally acclaimed community art wall that shows dignity, pride and unity in the local community – we want to inspire the youth in excellence and provide hope in the community.

“I thought it would be good to honour Clyde Best and his legacy to help to inspire the young guys who are playing football.”

Ms Dillas, who retired as an art teacher from Sandys Middle School seven years ago, came up with the idea to paint the mural with Tinasha Johnson last April.

Work has now begun on the wall owned by Somerset Cricket Club, including a portrait of Mr Best by Ms Dillas under the banner “Dream Big”.

Mr Best was one of the first Black players in the old English first division and was the a prominent Black player in the 1970s.

He played for West Ham from 1968 to 1976, scoring 58 goals. When he finished his English career, he was one of the high-profile athletes who played in the United States, where he scored 53 goals for the Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Portland Timbers.

During his career, he played with and against high-profile players including Brazilian great Pelé.

Ms Dillas added: “All the images will be related to Clyde Best and his achievements through the years. We have 15 panels and two are completed. I am anticipating we will finish in time for Cup Match.

“We have included the schools – Somerset Primary School, West End Primary School and Sandys Middle School – and the students are working on designs.

“It has been awesome, I wanted the community to come together.

“The response has been excellent – people have been driving through to see it.”