Bermuda international Sammy DeGraff will join the scramble for a professional contract at Major League Soccer (MLS) side Kansas City Wizards after being invited to an open trial.

The tryout is a reward for DeGraff's refusal to surrender his ambition of becoming a full-time footballer – with Wizards responding to a hopeful résumé he rifled off to a raft of MLS clubs.

More than a hundred other trialists also vying for a deal at the franchise will stand in the way of DeGraff, who would become only the second Bermuda player to grace the MLS following international team-mate and Seattle Sounders' new-boy Khano Smith.

"I sent my résumé to a number of MLS clubs including New England Revolution and thankfully Kansas City Wizards got back to me," said DeGraff, who turned down an offer to join Brazilian team E.C Sao Jose for pre-season training next year for financial reasons.

"I plan to attend an open trial in March and it's another opportunity for me to win a contract.

"I know it's going to be a tough trial and I expect there to be many other players in the same boat as me looking to realise their dreams of becoming a professional footballer."

Before DeGraff heads to the 'Heart of America' for his Wizards' trial he will attend an invitational tryout in Orlando, Florida, in February for a British football agency who are sending a select team on a Scandinavian tour in March.

Professional Soccer Consulting (PSC) are looking for quality players from North America to play three or four games against pro-teams and the 27-year-old is viewing it as another 'shop window' opportunity.

"I've been in touch with an organisation, PSC, who are looking for players to take on tour to Scandinavia," said DeGraff.

"I also sent them my résumé and I'm blessed because they responded.

"I know Kyle Lightbourne is involved with the organisation and I think it's a good avenue for me to take.

"I wish I'd started this process a few years ago and I've learned that if you want something badly enough you have to just go for it. You have to keep on trying despite the setbacks that come your way.

"At the very least I hope I can be an inspiration for other young players.

"I've spoken to Tyrell Burgess after his trial at Vancouver Whitecaps and he said they are very interested in him. It just shows you that there are opportunities out there for Bermuda players if we pursue them."

Having not played a competitive match for a few months DeGraff will strive for match fitness by turning out for North Village when the domestic league campaign resumes next month.

With the Premier Division powerhouse now under the stewardship of Shaun Goater, DeGraff is optimistic the former Manchester City striker can help remedy the Rams' stuttering season.

"I haven't played a competitive match for two months so I want to get a few games under my belt for North Village," he said.

"I'm in pretty good shape and I've been doing my own training but I need games to get match-fit.

"I think our new coach Shaun Goater will do a good job for Village.

"He has that professionalism and has already cut his teeth in coaching with Bermuda Hogges.

"I think the hardest thing for any domestic coach is keeping his players motivated and that will probably be Shaun's biggest challenge."