Blackburn Rovers Offer Final Trial Phase for Bermudian Duo
IslandStats.com
Bermuda Under-20 internationals Harlem Bean-Fox and Kennahz Fray have taken a significant step toward a professional career in England, joining Blackburn Rovers for the final phase of their trial this week.
The pair, who have been developing at the Coventry-based Future Pro Academy, will integrate with the Rovers’ Under-18 squad at the club’s senior training centre. The high-stakes week is set to culminate in a Professional Academy fixture, where both players are scheduled to feature against Accrington Stanley.
Bean-Fox and Fray have been in scintillating form for Future Pro this season, helping the side maintain an unbeaten run at the top of the Under-23 National Football Youth League. Their transition to the Lancashire outfit follows a series of standout performances, including Fray’s recent clinical strike in the English Association of Colleges National Cup.
For Future Pro Academy, the invitation represents a major validation of their elite development programme. "Having two players invited into an EFL Championship Academy and selected to compete in a professional academy match is a strong reflection of the pathways we are creating," the academy said in a statement. "It shows the performance standards we continue to raise."
Bean-Fox is no stranger to the high-pressure environment of the English second tier, having previously undergone a trial with Coventry City. For both players, the move to Blackburn offers a direct route into the professional ranks as they look to join the growing contingent of Bermudians making their mark in the English Football League.
Should they impress against Accrington Stanley, the duo could follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Kalen Brunson, who recently made his professional breakthrough at Queens Park Rangers.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Jimenez & Hibs Exits Youth Cup by Hearts
IslandStats.com
Logan Jimenez and his Hibernian Under-18 teammates saw their Scottish Youth Cup journey end at the quarter-final stage on Tuesday evening, falling to a clinical 3-0 defeat against city rivals Hearts at Oriam.
Hibs asserted their dominance early in the Edinburgh Derby, controlling the tempo and leaving the visitors frustrated in a high-stakes encounter. For Bermudian international Jimenez, the night began on a contentious note. In the 13th minute, the versatile forward appeared to be brought down inside the Hearts penalty area. However, rather than pointing to the spot, the referee booked Jimenez for simulation, a decision that sparked protests from the Hibernian bench.
Hearts capitalized on that momentum just six minutes later. Tommy North carved open the Hibs defence with a slide-rule pass, allowing center-forward Connor Dow to race through and coolly slot the opener past Vautherin.
The hosts doubled their lead before the interval through Keir McMeekin. The midfielder picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a drilled effort that stayed low, nestling into the bottom corner of the net.
Hibernian pushed for a route back into the match in the second half, with Jimenez testing the Hearts backline with his pace, but the result was put beyond doubt late on. McMeekin turned provider, ghosting to the byline and cutting the ball back for substitute Charlie Sanders, who fired home from close range to seal Hearts' place in the semi-finals.
For Jimenez—who recently made his senior Bermuda debut in World Cup qualifying—the focus now returns to the CAS Elite Youth League, where Hibernian remain in a tightly contested title race.
Monday, January 12, 2026
Outerbridge & Maidstone United Academy Secure Crucial Victory
IslandStats.com
Bermudian youngster Noah Outerbridge and his Maidstone United Academy teammates earned a disciplined 2-0 victory against Eastleigh Academy at the Gallagher Stadium.
In what has been described as a transitional season for the Stones' youth setup, the result provides a vital boost as the squad looks to climb the National League Football Academy South Division table. Following a historic treble-winning campaign last year, the academy is currently navigating a period of restructuring while maintaining its reputation as a premier breeding ground for young talent.
The victory marks a positive turn for Outerbridge, who has recently worked his way back into the side following an injury setback during a high-scoring encounter against Southend earlier in the season. His presence helped provide the stability needed to secure the clean sheet and the three points at home.
Maidstone demonstrated clinical efficiency throughout the contest, fending off a resilient Eastleigh side that has been pushing for play-off contention in their respective divisions. The Stones will now look to carry this momentum into a busy winter schedule as they aim to return to the summit of the academy ranks.
Friday, January 09, 2026
Waite Earns Bermuda U17 Call-Up Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
IslandStats.com
Future Pro International has led the tributes to promising young talent Shiloh Waite after he received a prestigious call-up to the Bermuda Under-17 National Team.
The versatile youngster is set to play a pivotal role in Bermuda’s bid to reach the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, as Bermuda prepares for a high-stakes series of international fixtures. Waite is expected to feature in three crucial Concacaf Under-17 Boy’s Qualifiers, with Bermuda facing off against Guyana, Suriname, and a powerhouse Honduras side.
The tournament represents a significant milestone for Waite, whose development at the Future Pro academy has clearly caught the eye of national team selectors. The call-up underscores his status as one of the island's most exciting emerging prospects.
In a statement released on social media, Future Pro International expressed their pride in the young athlete’s progress: "This is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of his continued development and commitment. We wish him every success as he steps onto the international stage to represent his country."
Bermuda will enter the qualifiers as part of Group H, with matches scheduled to take place in February. Under the current format, only the eight group winners will secure their place at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, meaning Waite and his teammates face a narrow and intense path to global glory.
As the squad intensifies its preparations, the inclusion of Waite provides a fresh attacking dimension for a team looking to create history on the regional stage.
Tuesday, January 06, 2026
Florida-Based Khan set for Home-Coming in WC Qualifiers
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s youth international Riley Khan has received a major vote of confidence after being called up in the National Squad for the upcoming Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers later this month.
The fleet-footed attacker, who has been honing her craft in the United States since March last year, was formally congratulated by her Florida-based school following the announcement. Khan is currently a standout at the Benfica Residential Academy, a high-performance programme situated on the sprawling campus of Saint Leo University in Tampa.
“Our very own Riley Khan has been called into the Bermuda National Team to play the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers,” the academy confirmed in a social media statement. The move to Florida has clearly paid dividends for the former Warwick Academy student, who was scouted while competing alongside boys in Bermuda's domestic leagues.
The upcoming tournament represents more than just a regional challenge; it is the vital first step on the pathway toward the next FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. Bermuda will benefit from significant home support as they host the matches for Group B at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium from January 24th to February 2nd.
The young Bermuda team face a demanding schedule against four regional rivals: Panama Saint Kitts and Nevis Suriname Bonaire
Khan’s inclusion adds significant firepower to the frontline. Before her move to the US, she was recognised as the Bermuda Football Association’s Under-13 Girls Player of the Year, earning a reputation as a diminutive but clinical finisher. Her experience in the professionalized environment of the Benfica Academy—which offers a blend of Portuguese footballing heritage and American academic excellence—is expected to be a cornerstone of Bermuda’s tactical approach.
The Benfica Residential Academy operates as a coeducational hub for elite talent in grades 9 through 12, utilizing Saint Leo University’s state-of-the-art facilities to develop players for the highest levels of global competition. For Khan, the transition from local club football to a residential academy in Florida has been a catalyst for growth.
"I am excited to see how much I improve throughout my time at the academy because it is such a professional experience," Khan noted upon her arrival in Tampa.
Now, the teenager returns to home soil with the weight of expectation. If Bermuda can navigate Group B and secure top spot, they will move one step closer to making history on the world stage. Local fans are encouraged to turn out in force at the National Sports Centre to support Khan and her teammates as they begin their quest for World Cup qualification.
