cleared to perform for their local clubs over the Christmas holiday.

This after the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) recently lifted restrictions on players wanting to perform in competitions outside those sanctioned by the schools' governing body.

In a copy of the amended NCAA regulations governing outside competition and its effect on eligibility, obtained by The Royal Gazette , players are given the freedom to return home and play during vacation time only.

"A student athlete may compete outside of the institution's declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any non-collegiate amateur competition during any vacation period published in the institution's catalog,'' reads article 14.7.1.1.1 of the NCAA regulations.

However, still not permitted is the "flying in'' of players for specific matches during the course of the regular school year.

Players contravening that law risk the possibility of having both scholarships and eligibility revoked.

The latest ruling will come as a boost to local clubs, who have long welcomed students back to bolster their line-ups during the festive period.

Only last Sunday saw North Village put Richard Todd, a student at Alabama A & M, and Rahji Edness, of Augusta College, into their starting teams, while Todd's schoolmate Maceo Dill came on as a second half substitute and promptly tucked away Village's second goal in a 2-0 FA Cup first round victory over Island Rangers.

Likewise, Vasco had Corey Hill back in the squad for their match against St.

David's.

Hill was at the centre of an eligibility controversy a couple of years ago while a student at Alabama A & M. Then a member of Hamilton Parish, Hill was banned after it was discovered he had flown home and played for the club.