Shaun Goater says he is “extremely grateful” for the considerable interest shown by parents keen to enrol their children in his newly launched academy in England.The former Manchester City striker has created the Shaun Goater International Academy, with the aim of helping Bermudians pursue a professional football career or various other job opportunities in the global sports industry, which he rolled out last week.“The last week has been a whirlwind of excitement,” Goater said. “So many people have reached out to us sending congratulations and well wishes. But the really exciting part has been speaking with families who want their sons to join the programme.”The academy is scheduled to open its doors for business in September with the selection process to start next month.Goater plans to return to the island this month to meet with parents keen to have their children enrol in his academy.“We have more calls booked in over the coming weeks,” he added. “I would urge any family who wishes to find out more to get in touch with us as soon as possible as places are limited.”The academy will utilise high-quality professional football coaching alongside strong academic performance.It is geared towards Bermudians between the ages of 16 and 18 and is also open to British-based students, and will be limited to 30 students in its first year of operation.Goater’s organisation has partnered with a school in the North West of England, where students will have the chance to learn from Uefa-licensed coaches and former Premier League players.The academy offers students two routes: the first encompasses an elite football performance pathway for talented young players and the second exposure to the football industry, allowing students to study and gain qualifications that will enable them to join university courses in Britain and beyond and pursue a career in sports marketing, sports management, commercial or journalism. It will also provide links to key organisations that can support students in their chosen field. “I feel I can really help Bermudians, in terms of this pathway, into pro football and good education if the football doesn’t work out,” Goater added.For more details contact SGoater@GoaterFC.com