Elder statesman of Bermuda football Gary Darrell will make a surprise coaching return as part of the new national academy's backroom staff.

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) have appointed the former NASL professional on a part-time basis as coach of the national team under-16 and-17s, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

The ex-Washington Diplomats midfielder joins technical director Derek Broadley, youth director Devarr Boyles, under-23 coach Scott Morton in the newly set-up national academy's coaching team.

Veteran national team shot stopper Timmy Figureido is also believed to be in the frame to become the national academy's goalkeeper coach.

Darrell, Bermuda's most successful international coach, was initially invited back into the national team fold by Broadley as a technical advisor for Bermuda's World Cup qualifiers and Digicel Cup last summer.

Back in 1992 he masterminded the Gombey Warriors' best ever World Cup run and returned for a short stint as national team coach in 2002 before being replaced by Kenny Thompson.

Technical director Derek Broadley described Darrell's appointment as a "real coup" for the national academy and believed his vast experience and knowledge would prove invaluable.

"Gary has been very supportive of me since I became technical director and is someone who I seek advice from and respect greatly," said Broadley.

"He was part of the selection panel which appointed me and I think his appointment is a real coup for the BFA. He's a very well respected coach, has a vast wealth of experience and still has plenty of energy."

At Tuesday night's national academy meeting for players and parents, held at Cedarbridge Academy, Jeremy Salaam was announced as the women's senior national team coach, Vance Brown as the women's under-15 and under-16 coach, while Don Lewis will take charge of the women's under-13 and under-14 players.

Broadley said establishing Bermuda's first ever national academy had been his most pressing concern since being appointed technical director and would help develop the Shaun Goaters and Clyde Bests of the future.

"When I arrived on the Island the most pertinent issue for me was setting up a national academy. I helped create Crystal Palace's youth academy and that was very successful at producing players, and still is," he said.

"It's important the Island's best young players train at a top quality facility (BFA Field) with open-minded and forward-thinking coaches to help them reach their full potential."

Only players who are part of the national academy will be able to represent Bermuda with each player's registration lasting for 12 months. Their performance will then be reviewed and a decision made on whether they continue in the academy programme.

Each academy team will train twice a week from September to May, while modified sessions will take place through to August depending on international competitions.

Devarr Boyles will take his under-15s to a Caribbean Football Union tournament in Trinidad from August 20-30.