CedarBridge Academy’s under-18 football team have left the island to take part in the prestigious Dallas Cup for the first time.

A proving ground for some of the world’s top football talent, including Christian Pulisic, Landon Donovan, and Clint Dempsey, the tournament will take place from Sunday until April 21.

The CedarBridge squad will begin the competition in the group stages on the opening day and will face opponents including MLS Next academy team Dallas Hornets, Solar SC and El Paso Premier League EP Legends.

After being accepted into the tournament at the end of December, the team faced a tight fundraising window. With just three months to raise the necessary funds, the players, coaching staff, and local community rallied together in an impressive show of support through donations, sponsorships, and community initiatives.

In the lead-up to the competition, the team underwent an intense three-month training programme focused on more than just technical football skills. Emphasis was placed on fitness, conditioning, weight training, nutrition and creating a holistic approach to player development.

While most of the players are students at CedarBridge Academy, to strengthen the roster and add depth, the team has welcomed three guest players. Tajahri Rogers is a former CedarBridge captain playing abroad in the UK, while two talented under-15 players, Grant Reese and Malik Paynter, from Somersfield and Saltus respectively, will gain valuable experience

With scouts from professional clubs, colleges, and national teams routinely attending the tournament, this stage is a prime opportunity for some of Bermuda’s brightest young players to showcase their skills.

Supporters can follow the team’s journey through daily updates on Instagram at @cbaballers, while live streams of the games can be accessed via the Dallas Cup’s official website at www.dallascup.org.