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Island pair earn for football scholarships

Tyejae Burchall and Tahzeiko Harris are the next Bermudians to try and make a splash at South Kent Prep School after being accepted to the Connecticut institution.The pair, who are a part of the Bermuda Football Association National Academy (BFANA) programme and play in the 1999 player pool, will attend the school this fall.Both Burchall, who was in attendance for yesterday’s announcement along with his parents, and Harris, were scouted and identified by South Kent Athletic Director and Soccer Coach Owen Finberg during a visit to the island in February.“This is a great opportunity for me to go out there and look to not only make the team but also receive a top class education,” said Burchall. “The thing that stood out to me was the fact that coach Finberg knows about Bermudians and said if we need any help with anything that he is there for us and there are also other Bermudians out there that can help us settle in.“Sports is a great avenue for young players like us but it is also for us to get the education for later on in life, and I’m grateful for this opportunity that has been presented to myself and Tahzeiko.“We want to make our parents, and Bermuda proud of us.”The five-time New England champions have seen Bermudians Tre Ming, Shaquille Trott, Shakai Trott, Tahj Bell and Anthony Hunter all graduate from the school.Current National Academy member Detre Bell is currently attending South Kent.In 2011, the programme finished on top of the ESPN National High School rankings.Many of the the South Kent football programme graduates have been placed into top NCAA Division I, II and III College and Universities.“We would like to wish both Tahzeiko and Tyjae all the best in their academic and athletic endeavours at South Kent Prep School, and congratulate them on successfully fulfilling the criteria for admission at the prestigious school,” said BFA academy director Richard Todd.“During coach Finberg’s visit to the island an informational meeting was held for players and parents of the National Academy programme to discuss the requirements and qualification standards for college and prep schools admission.“Matches featuring the National Academy teams were organised for coach Finberg to assess the players, during which Tahzeiko and Tyjae caught his eye.“It is exciting that these young men will not only have the opportunity to develop their athletic abilities as a part of the strong soccer programme at South Kent, but more importantly are being given the chance to receive a quality prep school education that will enhance their prospect of acceptance into colleges and universities.”