upcoming qualifing campaign, bolstered by an "inspirational'' tour of Florida.

Led by Bermuda Football Association technical director Clyde Best and coaches Mark Trott and Dennis Brown, the team were put through a rigorous training regime including early morning runs and intense physical work-outs as well as two matches, both against formidable opposition.

"It was a great experience,'' said under-23 squad forward Rohaan Simons.

"Gruelling training sessions resulted in an inspirational experience for the players,'' he said.

Simons is excited about the team's chances in the upcoming Olympic campaign and believes the squad have both the depth and mentality to be successful.

"This is one of the most dangerous teams put together in Bermuda right now and if we can get across Cuba and Panama, we will have a good shot as two teams go to the big show (Olympics).'' The team travels to Panama in March for the three-nation tournament for the right to progress to a final qualifying group.

Simons was impressed with the overall fitness of the team and the quick mastery of the chosen 3-5-2 formation.

College student Joey Rego was equally optimistic of the squad's chances although he was sidelined with injury.

"I think the tour was really good and we need to have a lot more like that,'' said the Wolves defender, who is playing soccer at Lynn University, the ninth ranked college team in the US.

In their first match, the squad defeated a Florida Select XI 5-0 with Simons scoring a hat-trick and Tokia Russell and Jemeiko Jennings netting one each.

The squad also defeated a Haitian XI 2-0 . Simons and Calvin Ball netted the goals.

Ball and Thomas Carter, both central midfielders, are Bermuda-born prospects who were discovered by squad member David Thomas while playing at Old Dominion College.

"Ball attended Purvis Primary School and lived in Bermuda until the age of 13 while Tommy Carter was born here when his father was in the navy,'' said Thomas. "Both definitely have national squad potential.''