Tyrrell, who on Monday faces a leadership challenge from assistant national coach Mark Trott at the BFA's annual general meeting, answers a series of questions posed by The Royal Gazette sports desk. Trott was forwarded the same questions but declined to answer (see separate story).

What has motivated you to stand in this election? Tyrrell -- My motivation has been the love for and interest in seeing football improve at both domestic and international level. My decision to seek re-election was made during the third year of my term. At that time it was clear that with all of the negativity surrounding our sport, I should continue on with the good work that had been started. It is also a good way to give back to the community and at the same time do my part to ensure that the game stays around long enough for my grandchildren to have their turn to play.

If elected president, what would you consider the BFA's priority over the next year? Tyrrell -- There are many areas of the sport that will require our attention.

However, three quickly come to mind. Firstly, to improve the level of our coaching so that players in all age groups (male and female) benefit.

Secondly, we have to find a way to recruit and keep our match officials and develop them for international commitments and thirdly we need to excite the public to want to come out and support our clubs and national teams.

The departure of Clyde Best has left the BFA without a technical director.

Would you consider appointing a replacement in a similar capacity in the near future? If so, would that replacement likely be Bermudian or would he be hired from overseas? Tyrrell -- Plans are already in place to have the role of Technical Director continue. We will require a person who has the technical, administrative, coaching ability and experience to chart our course. The person must be able to positively influence our football programme from the grassroots up to the national teams. We will not be pressured in our selection process, therefore we will make haste slowly. Where the person comes from would not be so important, so long as all of the above criteria are met.

Regarding competition at senior international level, what events do you see Bermuda being involved in over the next couple of years? Tyrrell -- Our concentration would not only be at senior international level, our aim would be to ensure that all age levels get the opportunity to compete in those tournaments set by FIFA, CONCACAF and the CFU. However, our short-term goal for the senior team is to compete and place favourably in the next Caribbean Nations Cup which would give Bermuda entry into the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Most of Bermuda's club facilities are woefully inadequate. What role can the BFA play in upgarding these facilities? Tyrrell -- The BFA can play a major role in the upgrading of our club facilities. This is an area that has been given attention over the last 18 months, with the BFA having discussions with the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

We see our position as facilitators with Government, corporate Bermuda and the clubs in addressing this inadequate situation. We see the improvement of any area of our sport as an important part of the social engineering process in Bermuda.

How can soccer best attract new sponsors? Tyrrell -- Our experience has shown that sponsors respond to a good product that is both responsible and accountable. Our six-year plan that we constantly update, is the framework of a good business plan. What we now have to do is to continue to communicate with those relationships we have already established, promote ourselves better, and the good news will travel. Another area is to ensure that our zero tolerance level for drugs in sports is not only spoken about but also enforced. That will send a very clear message to our existing sponsors and any potential sponsors.

If elected, what moves would you encourage to help Bermuda's most talented young soccer players maximise their potential? Tyrrell -- The aim of the BFA has always been to promote the educational and footballing skills of our players. Therefore the objective is two-fold. A player will not be able to play forever, so we would, yes, encourage and facilitate the player on to football greatness at whatever level is possible for them. However, reminding them at the same time that there is life after football and a good education will be something to fall back on.

How important to soccer is a good relationship between the BFA and the media? Tyrrell -- Contrary to popular belief, the BFA understands the effect of good and bad press. Our position has always been not to conduct the business of the family of football in the press. Yes, the public deserves to know how we go about the business of developing football, but our first loyalty is to our affiliates and sponsors. Like all other relationships there will be rocky periods and there will be smooth periods. We would now like to think that the last six months for the press and the BFA has been our rocky period and going forward our relationship will continue to grow.

No caption