Bermudian Under-20 internationals Harlem Bean-Fox and Kennahz Fray have taken a significant step toward the professional game after beginning a week-long trial with EFL Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
The pair, who are both currently enrolled at the Future Pro Academy in England, joined the Rovers' youth ranks this week to showcase their talents in front of the club’s technical staff. Fray has integrated with the Under-18 and Under-21 squads, while Bean-Fox is set to follow a similar path as he looks to impress the Lancashire outfit.
The opportunity comes off the back of a stellar season for both players at Future Pro, where they have played a key role in the academy’s unbeaten run at the top of the Under-23 National Football Youth League.
Bean-Fox recently underscored his potential with a clinical goal in a 2-2 draw against i2i Football Academy, while Fray was on the scoresheet as Future Pro reached the last 16 of the English Association of Colleges National Cup.
Demir Vavan, the founder and managing director of Future Pro, noted that the trial is a "powerful reflection" of the standards being set at the academy.
"Seeing two Future Pro Academy players earn opportunities at an EFL Championship club is a testament to the pathways we are building. Both players have shown exceptional growth this season."
The trial could provide an immediate platform for the duo; Fray reportedly has the opportunity to feature for Blackburn’s Under-21s in a fixture against Dundee United if he catches the eye of the Rovers' coaching staff.
For Bean-Fox, the move to Blackburn follows a previous trial stint with Championship leaders Coventry City, highlighting the growing interest in Bermudian talent within the English second tier.
Should they succeed, they would join a growing list of Bermudians making their mark in the Championship, including Queens Park Rangers' Kalen Brunson, who made his professional debut earlier this season.
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