This article originally appearded in the Bahamas Journal on Tuesday.


Another young Bahamian is exploiting opportunities afforded by The Bahamas Rugby and Football Union.


Twenty-two year old Dan Woodside from Andros left for England last week to work and play there.


Arrangements were made for Woodside to become a member of the Luctonians, a leading rugby club in the English West Midlands. This club was founded in 1948, based at Mortimer Park, and located between England and Wales. This part of the country is known as the Marches.


Woodside arrived in England days before his birthday (August 1st). After his first training session on his birthday he was treated to a special gathering.


Since Woodside’s arrival, he has been registered with Medicare and set up his first bank account. The Androsian was also set to purchase a new pair of rugby boots this week.


Woodside intends to begin working this week but until then he is helping the club prepare to host one leg of the UK Professional Darts League.


The person responsible for arranging this opportunity for Woodside is the BRFU’s National Sevens’ Coach Andrew Davies.


Woodside is just one of the many talented young men who were developed in the BRFU’s Youth Programme.


According to Davies, a former member of the Luctonians, Woodside exhibited the talent, personality and discipline required to play at the level in England.


Davies said that Woodside has a wealth of raw talent that needs to be refined. Because of this many local sponsors jumped on board to invest in Woodside's full potential in the sport.

"I told my old club that I had a talented player and asked them if they were interested. They said yes.
"We have big hopes for him…this is a once in a life time opportunity. He will enjoy himself and we expect that he will bring the knowledge back home when he is completed,"

said Davies.

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