Devonshire Colts striker Damon Ming has been named as one of a group of Bermudians who have been offered trials at US club, the Atlanta Silverbacks.

Ming, who came up through the junior ranks at Devonshire Colts, before moving to Dandy Town for a brief stint, is also a former national youth team member. He has also represented the Island in numerous Track and Field meets at the East Coast Invitationals and at the Carifta Games.

At the ripe age of 23, Ming is currently enrolled in his senior year at High Point University in North Carolina and plans to major in Sports Management.

The former Berkeley Institute student along with five other local players, whose names are yet to be disclosed, are due to report for trials in Atlanta, Georgia later this month.

Having already spent time at Coventry City during a two week visit at the English First Division club, Ming should not find the conditions in Atlanta intimidating or unfamiliar.

"Basically it is an opportunity for me to go onto the next level," said Ming on campus in North Carolina. "Even though it's a league under Major League Soccer it's still an opportunity for me to aspire to bigger and better things.

"I am just looking forward to doing my best and then see what happens after that."

When informed of the youngster's intentions yesterday, BFA president Larry Mussenden, who earlier in the week warned that such offers should be approached with caution, threw his support behind Ming and wished him well in the future.

"Of course all of us here in the BFA wish Damon all the best," he said.

"We hope that this venture will lead to something positive for him.

"We also know that Damon is a wonderful young player in Bermuda and that he will represent his club and country well overseas and that he will help to pave the way for others to follow behind him."

Ming's mother Rochelle, said it was her son's dream to play professionally. "That's all that Damon has ever wanted to do ... play soccer" she said.

"He's due to graduate from university in May and he still wants to play soccer! We're proud of him and are willing to support him in any way possible."