Headlines
June 4th 2010
Tahj Bell, Bermudan National Team Goalkeeper has committed his future to IASA. He comes with an outstanding resume and will be joining fellow National team player from Bermuda, Nahki Wells, at the academy.
Tahj’s background is impressive. At his high school, South Kent, in Connecticut, he helped lead his team to back-to-back New England titles while posting a 37-4-2 record during that time. He was named to the Western New England All-Star Team and the Western New England Select Team. He was also played in the New England Senior All-Star game and was named an All-State player by the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association.
Tahj has been a member of the Bermuda National Team (program) since he was 13 years old. He has travelled extensively abroad playing in Holland for the national team at the youth level and more recently with the U20’s (since the age of 16) playing against Trinidad & Tabago’s Olympic Team. He is presently a member of the Bermuda Hogges team, playing in the USL/PDL program this summer.
Tahj believes that football is a vehicle for his development as a person besides allowing him to reach his dream of the professional ranks. He stated, “Football builds fundamental values that can be used throughout life. These values include confidence, team skills, work ethic and much more. Football is a major part of my life, it has provided me many advantages and has taught me many lessons.”
Tahj has always aspired to play in the U.K. as a professional and is confident that he will be able to make it to the top of the profession. According to his coaches since he was little he has been saying that one day he will be England’s number 1 keeper. He believes that with the opportunities at The IASA for training, development and exposure he will be well on his way to achieving his goal.
Coach Brian Robertson of TAP Real, Virginia, referred to Tahj’s agility as “cat like”. Along with Tahj’s 6’ 5’’ frame and size 14 shoes – he has the physical attributes that can take him a long way.
Mark Ellis, the Football Director at IASA, is very excited to have the opportunity to work with Tahj. Mark said, “Obviously Tahj has a great background – he looks like a lot of raw talent along with commitment and determination – I’m confident our coaching staff can help him achieve his goals”.