It's all systems go for Shaun Goater's Grassroots Soccer Festival.

Despite the fact that the Bermudian striker last week announced he was set to sever his links with Manchester City and move on to another club, he will still be flying into the Island with the Blues' Academy's Under-17 team, their coaching staff and team-mate and former French international Nicolas Anelka for the event, the primary sponsor of which is XL Capital.

"The Is are dotted and Ts are crossed," said Goater. "And I can't wait for the festival to get underway."

The event, which has had some input from Bermuda Football Association, will be open to soccer fans from the age of six upwards and will run from June 2 to 7 at three schools and the National Sports Centre. A special session will also be held for disabled players.

Along with soccer skills courses, it will feature matches between the City side and both a Bermuda Under-18 team and a select team.

The climax on the Island's famous `carpet' will see the final of the Soccer Skills Challenge, a `Past Masters' tournament for the SG Corporate Cup and will culminate with 24 of Bermuda's best youngsters, selected by a panel including representatives from the Bermuda Football Association, the City Academy and Goater, playing for the Goater Select XI against a City Select XI.

It is hoped that with the Blues' top coaches at the games, one of the Island's players may impress enough to be offered a trial with the English Premiership club.

Capping of the week will be a gala evening at the Sonesta Beach Hotel, starting at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.

For more information see Page 21 of today's Royal Gazette.

GOATER'S GRASSROOTS SOCCER FESTIVAL

Monday, June 2: Soccer Skills Challenge, Spice Valley School, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 3: Soccer Skills Challenge, Whitney School, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 4: Man City Academy v Bermuda National Youth team, National Stadium, 7.45 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Thursday, June 5: Soccer Skills Challenge, Saltus Grammar, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, June 6: Coaching session and representative invitation, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, June 7: Final of Soccer Skills Challenge, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Academy Select XI v Shaun Goater Bermuda Select XI, National Stadium, 7.45 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.; Gala evening, Sonesta Beach Hotel, 7.30 p.m.