Many young children dream of becoming famous athletes.
Fulfilling this goal requires more than just athletic talent – it requires dedication, discipline and perseverance.
A genuine willingness to give back to the community, especially here in Bermuda, can also make a difference.
With its Legends scholarship programme, the Bermuda Football Association makes it possible for young athletes with good grades and a passion for football to pursue higher education as well as a career in professional sports.
The scholarship programme reflects the BFA’s belief that athletic excellence must be matched by academic achievement, and that education is essential to the long-term development of both players and the sport.
By linking scholarships to the names of revered football figures, the BFA ensures that the qualities of integrity, leadership and service are highlighted through the achievements of young athletes.
We interviewed two BFA scholarship recipients who are now in their early 20s: Taznae Fubler and Mical Hardtman.
Hard work
Taznae Fubler was the recipient of the Frank Brewster Scholarship in 2017. Mr Brewster was a star footballer for the Bermuda national team, Hotels International and BAA.
Ms Fubler said that winning the scholarship boosted her confidence and inspired her to hold herself to a higher standard on and off the field.
“I started playing at PHC when I was 7 and have played with the national squad since the age of 12 but I never could have imagined where this journey would lead,” she said.
“I was always a good student but, when it came time to apply for scholarships to go to university, I was initially very nervous.
“I honestly didn’t think my chances were very good, but I wanted to do everything possible to ease the financial burden of my education for my mother, so I applied for as many scholarships as I possibly could.
“Winning an award showed me that, not only had my years of dedication in the classroom and on the field paid off, but someone else believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Ms Fubler has now completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in pre-law and is working towards completing her education to become a lawyer.
She serves as executive assistant to the Chief Justice, Larry Mussenden, who has been an important mentor throughout her professional development.
The experience has helped Ms Fubler grow as a student, athlete and leader, giving her the confidence to give back. She is now inspiring the next generation as a full-time coach for the PHC under-13 girls team and the Bermuda under-15 girls national team.
“Winning a scholarship is a blessing not to be taken for granted, and I love coaching the young girls,” she explained.
Role model
Mical Hardtman won the 2018 BFA Legend’s Carlyle Crockwell Sr Scholarship in 2018. Mr Crockwell was one of Bermuda’s top referees.
Mr Hardtman – now a role model for many young athletes – revealed his path had not always been easy.
“I first started playing sports when I was young because my best friend and my cousin were involved, but I had some anger issues and wasn’t really on the best path at that time,” he said.
“Thanks to help from my family and tutors I started to focus in a more positive direction and by the time I was in high school I was getting solid grades.
“From a young age we were taught about the importance of budgeting and making wise financial decisions. My parents are both business professionals and always assumed that I would go to university, so they were prepared to fund my education, but I wanted to do as much as I could to reduce the cost.”
He described applying for scholarships as “a very tedious process” but said it was well worth it.
“I learned a lot about myself and how to present myself during the process,” he said.
“Winning a scholarship reminded me that hard work does pay off when I am doing what I need to do, and this also really helped me get through some tough times when I was away at school.
“It also inspired me to complete my masters in sports coaching at Hartpury University.”
He now works a PE and health teacher at Sandys Secondary Middle School and as a Bermuda National Academy coach.
Application criteria
The BFA Legends Scholarship Awards are open to males and females, with at least one scholarship awarded to a female each year. Applicants must be Bermudian, at least 14 years, and demonstrate strong academic performance. They must have been registered players with a BFA affiliate club, or the Bermuda Referees Association, for the previous three consecutive years and be actively participating in competitive football while studying. Continued funding is conditional on satisfactory academic progress, good conduct, and ongoing football participation.
Application tips
Just as excellence in sport is built through repetition and preparation, success in applying for higher-education scholarships follows the same principle: practice, practice, practice.
Ms Fubler and Mr Hardtman emphasised the importance of taking the time to research what scholarships are available and applying for every scholarship you are eligible for.
Keep in mind that many general scholarships that do not have a specific area of study requirement attached to them frequently consider more than academic results alone in their selection process. They often favour candidates who are genuinely well-rounded, give back to the community, show leadership abilities, and balance their studies with wider interests such as sports.
They also stressed that opportunities extend well beyond those listed on the bermudascholarships.com website – and you can also apply for scholarships or financial aid at the overseas institution where you have been accepted.
Winning a sports scholarship is about far more than physical ability, recognition or financial support. It is about character: persevering when challenges arise, remaining humble when you are successful, and continuing to believe in yourself when the going gets tough.
It is about perpetuating the legacy of inspiring those who will follow in your footsteps with integrity, resilience and purpose.
