Local soccer will continue to grow in popularity as a direct result of two major developments at the end of last year, according to Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell.

Re-entry into the Shell/Umbro Cup combined with the appointment of former Bermuda international Clyde Best as national coach are two significant moves which Tyrrell feels will help take soccer into the next century with renewed enthusiasm and momentum.

These developments along with other programmes planned over the next six years are an indication of the BFA's intent to return the sport to its former prominence, says Tyrrell.

"I believe we ended 1996 on a high note by re-entering the Shell/Umbro Cup and taking on a quality coach like Clyde Best,'' said the BFA president.

"These and various other steps that have been taken gives me reason to look ahead with optimism, confidence and great hope.

"To see the many plans that we had put into place come to fruition is a great accomplishment so far. Many doors are opening for Bermuda soccer. We've received encouragement from Government and from corporate sponsors. And another good sign is that the crowds are coming back -- the attendance at the Dudley Eve Cup over the holidays showed that.'' Youth and Sports Minister Tim Smith is also upbeat about the changes made by soccer's new administration.

"There is no doubt in our mind that the BFA is now a well administered organisation,'' said Smith this week.

"They are one of the groups that visit the ministry on a very regular basis; the communication between us and the BFA is very positive.'' While Tyrrell spearheads what appears to be a determined move to take Bermuda's top sport to greener pastures, it's clear that the return to a prominent Caribbean tournament for the first time in six years and the hiring of a high-profile coach such as Best have done much to restore public confidence.

With the Miami Seven drugs incident, the firing of former Director of Coaching Burkhard Ziese and the long leadership crisis now behind them, the BFA are eager to launch a number of ambitious plans.

However, much still depends on the financial support the association can draw from the corporate sector, who once donated large amounts of cash only to be driven away by a series of crises.

It's hoped the backing of Sports Minister Smith will encourage prospective sponsors to climb back on board.

"They have shared with me their business plans for the next five years. They did this back a few weeks ago and it included all of their projects that will require financial assistance from the corporate sponsors and Government,'' added Smith.

"I haven't made any determination for next year's budget though. But it's clear that the BFA's proposal, I'm glad to say, is very detailed and I will be able to make a very informed decision once it has all been reviewed carefully.'' The BFA received a Government grant of about $70,000 last year which was mainly swallowed up by coaching and development expenses.

Tyrrell, meanwhile, noted another encouraging sign was the re-emergence of many ex-players as spectators, particularly during the recent Dudley Eve tournament. "It's proof that they still have an interest in the game and are just as anxious to see it progress as we are,'' he said. "It was good to see many who had not been coming out on a regular basis return.'' "It's clear that people out there want to give their support and want to support a properly run programme. I feel that this trend will continue. The executives have also received favourable feedback from past administrators.

Things are certainly looking up.''