Ambitious young footballer Kiuno Cann is aiming for the top of his league — but school comes first for this Pembroke teenager.“I do believe that education is the most important thing — but my long term goal is professional football,” Kiuno told The Royal Gazette.In fact, with year 13 at Warwick Academy swiftly approaching the May graduation date, Kiuno could be pursuing a career in journalism after majoring in Communications at college.One of the rising stars at Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School (BBFS), Kiuno has excelled at coaching younger players rather than being taken on for training.He started in 2010 as a junior coach, and nowadays assists with warm-ups before helping coach the under-eights.“It’s a family thing,” said Kiuno of his love for the game. “My grandfather Kenny Cann was a senior player with the Somerset Trojans — one of the best.”Taking up football as a child, Kiuno played for Warwick Academy and moved on to the Devonshire Colts, where he continues today as a centre midfielder.He’s also a centre back player on Bermuda’s national team — and has been called to the senior national team, in preparation for the NatWest Small Island Games coming soon to Bermuda.Explaining why football is the beautiful game, Kiuno said: “With me going into the senior team for the Devonshire Colts this season, it’s really upped my maturity level — I’m surrounded by older players.“Also being a coach is nice for me because I get to mix in with the children who attend the BBFS. That builds up my leadership skills, having to take charge.”With a grin he added: “It also keeps me out of trouble.”Kiuno’s skills on the pitch got him sent to train in Canada with the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League team Hamilton FC in 2011.“Their coach came down to the BFS annual college showcase and expressed an interest in me — he asked if I could come and see what it was like to train at a higher level.”And, courtesy of this year’s showcase, he’ll be returning to Canada with four other Bermuda players to train alongside Toronto FC Academy players this summer.Kiuno credits BBFS head coach Dennis Brown — who also coaches the Devonshire Cougars — for “taking me under his wing”.The support of parents Carla and Kenny Cann, plus little sister Kiana, has helped see 17-year-old Kiuno through.Said Bermuda Football Association vice President Cal Blankendal: “Our programmes exist through the support of persons like Kiuno, along with our members and our different corporate partners.“Everyone works together so that we can put on these events for Bermuda’s student athletes.”Useful website: www.bermudabfs.com.