Bermuda women’s football team forward Jahni Simmons is catching the attention of Women's Super League sides after performing well at the Future Pro academy in Britain.

Simmons, who has been with the Coventry-based academy since January, has played an instrumental role in the team qualifying for two semi-finals this season.

Demir Vavan, the Future Pro founder and managing director, is pleased with the 19-year-old Bermudian’s progress in the programme.

“Jahni Simmons is attracting attention and interest from Women Super League under-21 sides and teams in the Championship,” Vavan told The Royal Gazette.

“She scored for the Future Pro under-21 in a 6-0 win over Newcastle Stafford College and the team progressed to the semi-final of the English Colleges Football Association National Cup away against Brighton, Hove & Sussex College on March 26.

“Jahni is also through to the regional semi-final in the Birmingham County Under-23 League, which will be played in April and she is doing extremely well in the league.”

Simmons, who is next month heading off to Spain to training and play, is grateful for the opportunity given to her by Future Pro in her pursuit of a professional contract. She is expected to be a key member of Naquita Robinson’s team for the Island Games in Orkney in July.

“I’ve experienced different levels of playing because of the quality of training and the competitiveness of the other teams,’’ Simmons said.

“With my experience playing at international level, I can bring a lot to the team. It’s just about getting my team-mates to trust me on the ball, trusting myself and my ability.

“All the coaches have been very welcoming and they know that I have another level in me that comes with time, patience and working hard to better myself.

“In April I have to the opportunity to go to Spain on tour with Future Pro to train and play against different teams, which will be a great experience and good exposure.

“In the future, I hope to get more opportunities like this through Future Pro and ultimately get to my goal of playing for a high-level professional team.”

Future Pro is also home to another Bermudian, Chedi Smith. The 17-year-old went for trials at League Two side Walsall last October, with indications that he will be invited back next season after impressing earlier in the year in a showcase game.

“Chedi is doing well at Future Pro and playing in the under-19 Premier Super Lions division,” Vavan said.

“He has also impressed in showcase games this season against Lincoln City under-18 academy and Walsall FC under-18, where he was spotted for a trial. He is a ball-playing centre back, progressing well in the game and attracting further interest.”

Smith, a former Bermuda under-17 player, spoke of the impact Vavan’s academy has had on his blossoming career.

“Future Pro has provided me with great opportunities and experiences to put my talent on display in front of coaches and professional scouts,” he said.

“I have received high-quality level coaching and the programme has helped me improve parts of my game, such as developing the tactical side to my game and technique along with decision-making.

“Some of the standout experiences and opportunities include getting a trial at Walsall under-18, showcase games against Northampton Town and Lincoln under-18s. We also get regular invites to play at St George's Park, the home of the England national team.’’