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Talented national squad footballer lands US college scholarship

Promising young footballer Zeiko Lewis is heading to college with a scholarship for sports prowess.<I></I>

One of the Island’s promising teen footballers is to attend college on a scholarship after impressive scores in his last year of high school in the US.Bermuda national team player Zeiko Lewis, 19, told The Royal Gazette his preferred niche on the pitch was assisting other players but “at the same time, I can go forward as a striker and score with the team”.Zeiko finished last year’s football season at Massachusetts’ Berkshire School with a school record of 33 goals and ten assists.His footballing there caught the eye of Boston College coach Ed Kelly.“The coach said that I fit into his team, in an attacking midfield sense,” explained Zeiko, who saw his boarding school develop “a name” across New England.The Boston College scholarship will cover part of his first year’s tuition and the next three years toward a bachelor’s degree.“It’s important to keep up your grades as well,” he said. “I’m undecided right now, but I’ll probably do something business- or maths-related.”In December, Zeiko was ranked an All American player for his school by the National Soccer Coaches’ Association.The Spanish Point native said footballing was in his blood.“From the day I was born, I was set up to play. My parents said I always used to kick the minute I started walking.” He joined Dandy Town as an under-five player.Both Zeiko’s father, Troy Lewis, and grandfather Fred Lewis, made significant names for themselves in Bermuda football.“There was a lot of pressure on me to do the best I could,” said Zeiko.“It’s given me some great opportunities. My parents don’t have to pay a lot of money for college, and I get experience and exposure to different cultures from being out there. I’m very grateful to my parents, my coaches and my teammates.“I’d definitely like to pave a way for myself in football. I feel like an ambassador for Bermuda.”Back on the Island after graduating from Berkshire on May 24, Zeiko will be teaching sports at Victor Scott Primary School’s summer day camp before heading off to Boston.

Promising young footballer Zeiko Lewis.