Three of Antigua and Barbuda’s national youth footballers have arrived in the United Kingdom for an intensive five-month programme of training and trials, as they seek to advance both their sporting and academic careers.

Jahquane Richards, Kayeem Hughes, and Jonathan Shoy touched down this week to join Future Pro, the UK-based partner organisation of the Grenades National Football Club (GNFC). The players will be working towards educational scholarships and potential semi-professional or professional contracts.

They will soon be joined by fellow national youth player Kylano Isaac, who is expected to arrive in the coming days.

The initiative has been made possible through continued backing from the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, which supports the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s sportsmen and sportswomen.

GNFC described the opportunity as “incredible” and urged supporters to follow the players’ progress over the coming months.