to come to Bermuda this summer.

The flamboyant Best, once regarded as one the world's most talented players, has been lined up to assist in BAA's annual youth soccer camp in late September.

Another former star, Frank Worthington, will make a return visit.

The two ex-internationals are known to be good friends and it was during his visit last year that Worthington hinted he could persuade Best to accompany him.

Yesterday BAA president David Kneisler confirmed the news that both would take part in the camp.

"We're trying to improve our programme and give our young people guidance,'' said Kneisler, "And with Frank and Best it allows a great opportunity for the youngsters to speak and learn from top professionals.

"As we know, George Best was a master in his day and has a lot of experience to offer.'' Local football fan Dave Connolly was said to have been instrumental in making the visit possible, having arranged Worthington's trip a year ago.

During his heyday the bearded Best was often compared to the likes of Pele and is still regarded by many as the most gifted player ever produced by Britain.

He brought flair to a Manchester United outfit that contained Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law, and played a key role in United's 4-1 triumph over Portuguese club Benfica during the 1968 European Cup final. Best scored in that match and repeatedly taunted the opposition defenders.

But the magical winger was also equally known for his forays in the fast lane of life.

He was seen as a "playboy'' with fast cars and beautiful women -- he married a European beauty queen -- and was a fixture on the party circuit. It was this cavalier lifestyle that eventually cut short his career.

"To the older brigade he represented perhaps the best and worst of English football,'' said Dave Mutch, who is also involved with youth coaching at BAA.

"He had the lifestyle of the rich and famous and maybe that got the best of him...he certainly has a lot of stories to tell.'' Several failed business ventures followed his retirement, and recent years have seen the Irishman travelling the lecture circuit where he has been harsh in his criticism on the way in which soccer is played today.

He and former Fulham team-mate Rodney Marsh produced a television series that highlighted the shortcomings of the game. The pair often got the better of younger players used as "demonstration dummies'', which served to illustrate their point.

Kneisler said it was hoped that Best would speak at a dinner at the Hamilton Princess in addition to taking part in the soccer camp.

GEORGE BEST -- visiting Bermuda this summer