Bermuda Hogges goalkeeper Tahj Bell will further his football education at The International Academic and Soccer Academy (IASA) in the United Kingdom.

The four-year course will enable Bell to pursue an American degree while developing his football skills with top level coaching and against quality professional youth academies including Manchester United and Leeds United.

Former Middlesbrough striker John Hendrie and ex-Hull City target man Dean Windass are among the coaches who will be putting the 18-year-old through his paces.

Bell travelled to the UK last week with Hogges team-mate Nahki Wells who has enrolled on the course after also being recommended to the IASA by the Bermuda Football Association (BFA).

Both youngsters will be hoping the West Yorkshire-based IASA will provide them with a springboard into the professional ranks.

Its brochure reads: "The International Academic and Soccer Academy allows students the best of both worlds: a top quality academic programme while living and playing in a true soccer culture.

"The UK is a natural fit for the North American soccer player, both culturally and for living with the best league in the world and the excitement that brings, on a year-round basis."

Former South Kent Schools keeper, Bell, was the 'next cab in the rank' behind Hogges shot stopper Freddy Hall for most of the season but impressed in his four PDL appearances this term.

BFA technical director, Derek Broadley, believes the IASA would be a good fit for Bell and Wells who both harbour ambitions of playing professionally in the UK.

"The advantage is they will be playing against good non-league clubs with a view to being spotted," he said. "The whole point is that it doesn't negatively impact upon their NCAA eligibility.

"It's an American education programme based in England. Tahj's a good shape and size and should stand out, as should –Nahki.

"I think both have ambitions to play in England and it's a better path for them than going through the American system."

Hogges winger Quadir Maynard, 16, is also developing his skills in England at Bromley FC's academy where he has linked up with coach Murray Jones, who worked as Broadley's assistant at Crystal Palace.

There is also an educational component to Maynard's UK move with the Boulevard player having to take his BTEC qualifications at Ravensbourne School.