Bermuda's Brazilian Football School (BBFS) head coach Dennis Brown deemed the recent tour of England a massive success with both coaches and players gaining valuable knowledge.

The travelling squad of 29 players, aged between nine and 17, left the Island late last month, visiting many clubs and taking in Emirates Cup matches at the home of Arsenal Football Club.

It is the second tour the BBFS have organised to the UK, with head of delegation Cal Blankendal, director of coaching Dennis Brown, assistant coach Jermaine Smith and women's trainee coach Jenae Edness all making the trip with the players.

"Bermuda's Brazilian Football School Tour 2010 to the UK was a resounding success," said Brown.

"The intentions of the tour were to give our young members and young coaches an insight into the process of becoming a professional football player to finally reach the product which one sees on the pitch.

"Our young members, who ranged from 9-17 years old, will have a better appreciation of the work that is required to become a professional player.

"Things like nutrition, fitness, discipline on and off the field, passion and commitment were discussed and encouraged and each player will retain the relevant information that is pertinent to their personal growth and development."

The tour not only consisted of visiting facilities and training sessions, but matches against local side Peckham Town.

Brown, the Somerset Trojans' coach, said the tour had been a worthwhile exercise for both players and coaches who had managed to forge a number of useful overseas contacts.

"Our teams played two matches each in the age groups, winning three and losing three," he said.

"The tour taught players how to compete more intensely, to think quicker and to be physical when placed in those situations.

"One thing all the players will have learned is just how physically fit you have to be to play football. This is a component many take for granted in Bermuda.

"It was good for our young players to have seen for themselves what it takes, and hopefully this will be with them for a lifetime.

"For our coaches, it was about a continuation of a coaching education that is never ending.

"We as coaches must always seek new innovative information and experiences.

"The relationships built with other coaches and scouts will give us opportunities to gain more experience and knowledge not just for us as coaches but to also get our players into overseas schools and academies in the future."