Bermuda Brazilian Football School have embarked on a ten-day tour of Madrid, Spain, to expand their horizons – both on and off the pitch.

The primary aim of the venture is to provide the young players with a “high-level footballing experience” by exposing them to elite training environments and competition against local opposition.

“The players are thrilled about this incredible opportunity to travel, train and compete in one of the world's most renowned footballing nations,” Dennis Brown, the BBFS cofounder, told The Royal Gazette. “For some, this will be a once in a lifetime experience to test their abilities and gain invaluable exposure.

“The team will have the opportunity to compete against local teams in Madrid, giving them a real taste of what it's like at that level. These sessions and matches will challenge them both tactically and technically, pushing them to adapt to different styles of play.

“The benefits are endless. They will develop the technical, tactical and the mental aspects of the game, cultural and personal growth through travel experiences, and have the chance to train at world class facilities and learn from top coaches. They will also have the opportunity to make lifelong friendships and memories.”

The local academy is breaking new ground as this is the first time they have taken a contingent to Spain.

“We have a strong tradition of creating opportunities for young Bermudian players to experience international football,” Brown said. “We have previously travelled to the United States, Canada, Denmark and most recently for the last two years to Liverpool.”

Among the players to have previously accompanied the local academy on tours of the United Kingdom is Bermuda Under-14 goalkeeper Nuri Latham, who was recently signed by Preston North End following a successful trial with the Sky Bet Championship side.

Preston, who play in the same league as Nahki Wells’s Bristol City, were founding members of the English Football League and were the first league champions, finishing the 1888–89 season undefeated and winning the league and FA Cup.

“BBFS’s mission has always been to expose our players, not just locally, but also internationally,” Brown, the former Somerset Trojans and Bermuda captain, said.

“The programme has been highly successful in achieving these goals, as evidenced by the number of players who have progressed through our ranks and have gone on a progressive trajectory in their football.

“Players like Jarryd Richardson, who was actually our for player to join the programme in 2008, Diego Richardson, Kane Crichlow, Reese Jones, Rahzir Jones, Ajani Burchall and the newest professional Nuri Latham.”

Also travelling with the 42-strong BBFS contingent to Spain are coaches Leroy “Curly Joe” Wilson, Torry Davis and Dr Alshia Lugo.