Four boys who participated in trials – organised by the World-Wide Scholarship Group (WWS) in Windhoek in August of last year – excelled and were selected to be part of a group of players that will travel to Milan in Italy for development trials.According to Elvin Majiedt, a teacher and coach, the boys will be leaving for Johannesburg on 6 July for about a month, and stay at a facility organised by the WWS – where they will be thoroughly prepared by licensed coaches from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).“Thereafter, the boys will travel to Milan for a one-week trial period. Should they be lucky, they will shift up into one of the Italian youth setup teams, where they can systemically grow into getting a place in the senior teams and then ultimately become full-fledged soccer players,” Majiedt said.He noted that they are currently struggling with funds for accommodation, Italian visas, and compensation for the UEFA coaches.“Each boy has to produce N$16 000, and the parents of these boys have really been struggling and going out of their way to try and raise the necessary funds for the trip,” he added.He highlighted that sport nowadays is a direction that allows one to make a living from it.“I know football is a short-term career, but if you can make it and put bread on the table, that somewhat allows one to be self-employed.”Erongo governor Andre Neville congratulated the boys and thanked the coach for being determined and never giving up on the boys.“I urge the private sector to support and invest in these boys and sports in general – so that we can see sport excelling and obtain more positive results for our country.”nikanor@erongo.com.na