Bermuda’s youth football pipeline continues to impress on the world stage, as four standouts from IDA-Bermuda delivered marquee performances at the Surf Nation Champions League in San Diego this week. The event, held at the premier Surf Sports Park, serves as the ultimate scouting ground for the 2012 birth year, with players vying for spots on the Surf Select National team.
In the Boys’ Division, Vashon Martin, Xavier Hidalgo, and Cairo Burgess were instrumental in a perfect run for the New England Surf Select North East squad. The trio helped spearhead a dominant campaign that saw the team go undefeated to capture the Bronze flight title. Their journey to the trophy included high-scoring victories over San Diego Surf ECNL Blue (7-1) and White (3-0), a gritty 3-1 win over Solano Surf, and a final 5-5 shootout victory against Monterey Surf to lift the silverware.
On the girls’ side, Devi Samuels showcased her talent in the Under 14 Silver Division with Canada’s Ottawa City SC. Samuels was a key figure in the midfield as the team bounced back from an early loss to secure vital wins over Hawaii Surf SC and Central Coast Surf. While the team finished a strong second in the group, their bid for a final trophy was cruelly cut short when a severe Southern California storm forced the cancellation of the final showcase games.
The pathway for these youngsters remains bright. Through the partnership between Warwick Football Academy and the International Development Academy, coached by Richard Todd, these players are now in the frame for national selection. If called up, they will represent Surf Nation at elite international events later this year, including the Surf Cup International in Spain and the Target USA Cup in Minnesota.
