Young Bermudian soccer enthusiasts have a chance to play - instead of pay - their way into college.

A new segment of the 12th annual Pro Soccer Clinic will cater directly to players aged 14 to 18 and a number of top American coaching and scouting officials will be present to assess the youngsters and determine their potential scholarship opportunities.

Organiser of the Pro Soccer Clinic, David Bascome, is introducing the New College Prospect Programme to help talented teenagers fulfil their promise by taking the next step. All applicants for the programme must submit a resum? and an authorised progress report from their school.

"We are very excited to bring this new programme to Bermuda. Many of our young people do not have the financial ability or opportunity to even consider attending an overseas college. In the USA, talented young soccer players can drive to college try-outs all over the country to be looked at by top college coaches . . . obviously our players do not have that opportunity here in Bermuda.

"Through this programme, we are bringing the international scouts and coaches to players. This is their chance to get some exposure and create opportunities for themselves to further their education with the help of their soccer talents.

"We are not just focusing on the players' soccer potential. Having good grades is a key element in this whole programme. Applicants must have a C or 2.0 or above average to be considered for scholarships," explained Bascome, a pro in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in the USA.

Among those attending the Bank of Bermuda-sponsored clinic will be Joe Amato, Area Director, National Scouting Report (the world's largest college recruiting organisation); Paul Kitson, professional coach and former MISL player; Mike Williams, Vice-President of Operations for Williams FC (Futbol Consultants) and Mark White, a coach from Old Dominion University.

The clinic will run from June 30 to July 6 at the National Sports Centre. Players aged six to 18 can register for the Clinic and those 14 to 18 for the Programme. Children aged four to five can sign up for the Kiddy Kickers Group.

Bascome assured that though co-founder of the Clinic, Shaun Goater, was unable to commit to participating this year the "high standards remain the same and we will continue to find new initiatives to enhance the participants' experience".

Bank of Bermuda's Events and Promotions Officer, Karen Madeiros, said the bank would continue to support the clinic and its new initiatives. The introduction of the College Prospect Programme, she added, was "an indication that soccer in Bermuda is flourishing and we are pleased to provide the opportunity for our young players to develop their talents".

Parents can sign up their children for the clinic on Friday, June 13, at Bank of Bermuda Head Office on Front Street between 12 noon and 2 p.m. Application forms are available from the bank's branches.