SWINDON Town have taken their latest punt on a youngster from the Cayman Islands, offering 12-year-old Barry-Dre Tibbetts a trial in August.

Tibbetts, who plays for Elite Sports Club, will hope to follow in the footsteps of Sebastian Martinez, who became the first of Town’s recruits from the Islands to secure an apprenticeship with the club.

The young midfielder impressed Swindon’s coaches at a camp for 150 hopefuls and in the annual tournament academy boss Jeremy Newton takes his youth teams to play in.

Tibbetts will now go for a two-week trial in August Tibbetts is coached by his father Barry and by Arden “Cheeky” Rivers in the under 13s side.

“This is awesome,” said Tibbetts Sr told the Cayman Compass. “I’ve never seen a young man at his age so passionate about the game. Dre has blossomed into an exceptional player.”

Elite’s technical director Greg Ebanks is delighted one of his club’s players has the opportunity to go and test himself in such a tough environment.

“Dre is very talented and has good composure, and this is a much better opportunity to excel,” he said.

“I applaud Dre and wish him well with this opportunity. I am confident that he will do well. He is very composed and has a lot of confidence, good vision and insight.”

Elite president Martha Godet believes Tibbetts has the ability to make the grade with Town “The executive members of Elite are proud of Dre on his accomplishment thus far,” she said.

“We are confident that he will succeed as his passion for the sport is what has made him become a great player today.”