J’nai Butterfield-Steede has become the latest Bermuda import at Ilkeston FC after joining the Evo-Stik League Premier Division club’s Academy.

The National Academy midfielder, who has been living in England for a number of years, has signed for the Derbyshire-based side on a two-year scholarship, a similar deal his compatriot, Rai Simons, penned last summer.

Butterfield-Steede, the son of former PHC Zebras player Gregory Steede, was part of the National Academy Under-16 side that successfully defended their Open Cup title in Decatur, Alabama, in April.

The 16-year-old impressed while training with Ilkeston’s Academy during his school holidays last season and will be able to continue his studies as part of the club’s Education Programme.

Ilkeston deliver a variety of courses at both their purpose-built education block at the New Manor Ground and their off-site facility in nearby Nottingham.

Nigel Harrop, the club’s general manager, said that Butterfield-Steede had settled in well at the club and appeared to be relishing his new challenge.

“J’nai has been living with his family near Northampton for last few years but has been invited to Ilkeston to join our Academy,” said Harrop, a former Bermuda resident.

“His group have been back in training for a few weeks but because J’nai was in Bermuda for the summer he only joined up with his team-mates a couple of weeks ago.

“He spent several school holidays with us last season which enabled us have a good look at him.”

Butterfield-Steede joins Simons and Lejaun Simmons, who was offered an apprenticeship at the club last season, as one of three Bermudians at Ilkeston.

Roger Lee, the Bermuda defender, who played one reserve team match last season, is also hoping to force his way into Ilkeston’s first-team picture.

Ilkeston, who play in the seventh tier of the English game, forged a partnership with the Island last year through Paul Scope, the Bermuda Hogges owner. Scope said he was confident that Bermuda’s contingent would continue to make the most of their opportunities at Ilkeston.

“Having played for the Bermuda Under-17 and Under-20 sides this summer, Rai has been looking sharp since returning to Ilkeston and should be pushing for a first-team place,” Scope said.

“Lejaun has been nursing a little injury after being involved in a bike collision in Bermuda this summer but will be fine.

“Roger has been over as well but hasn’t yet broke into the team, which is a bit of surprise to us, although I gather Ilkeston are quite well-stocked in his position.”

Scope said that Antwan Russell, who struggled to force his way into Ilkeston’s first-team last season, had returned to the Island and would be playing for Robin Hood’s Premier Division team.

“Antwan is back on the Island and will play for the Robin Hood until Christmas when we will access what options he has,” he said.

“He didn’t play much last season so we thought it would best for him to get some games under his belt and regain his confidence.”