-- most, if not all as a direct result of the Miami Seven episode -- Bermuda Football Association are pressing on in their attempt to upgrade the sport.

Their latest venture aimed at restoring lost dignity comes in the form of a B-Licence coaching course that has a stated goal of upgrading the current level of coaching.

BFA general secretary David Sabir, in announcing the course schedule yesterday, said there was a definite need for such exercises to aid progression among coaches and players.

"What the Football Association is saying is that we are very serious about the overall improvement of the sport, which involves coaching, particularly good coaching,'' said Sabir, who also helped institute the original C-Licence course during the ill-fated tenure of former technical director Burkhard Ziese.

"The only way that is going to improve is that those people who've undertaken the responsibility to coach also seek to improve themselves and allow their own increased knowledge to manifest itself on the playing field.

"What it all means is that the technique and tactics which are displayed on the field can only be attributed to that aspect of coaching.'' Prior to the advent of such courses it was noted how many of those occupying teaching positions were -- for the most part -- not formally trained, with several being former players who simply stepped into such posts when their playing days ended.

And while admitting that some proved more than adequate, Sabir noted many did not have the know how which along with other factors contributed to the game's stagnation.

"I think over the years the lack of these coaching programmes, coupled with the fact that some of the most respected coaches left the game, we have coaches in charge that have just left the game as players and while they possess great enthusiasm, they lack teaching fundamentals,'' added Sabir.

"Essentially -- and this is not meant to deride of degrade anybody -- juvenile coaches in charge of senior programmes lacking the needed preparation.

"However, today we are encouraged by the level of participation -- we already have 30 with at least a C-Licence -- and if we can continue along that track it would prevent us moving in the area of legislation.'' It was Ziese's idea before his abrupt dismissal that no one be allowed to coach while lacking at least the C-Licence. However, Sabir said the BFA had backed off making any such demands for the moment at least.

Instead the intention was to expand opportunities available to members of the fraternity, with the possibility for those showing definite potential to move through the BFA staff programme and be sponsored toward other overseas programmes.

While so far just the C and B-Licences are being promoted, an A-Licence course appears on the cards as well.

"We have a lot of good coaches on the Island and a tremendous amount of potential, but what good is potential if not moulded or used?'' asked Sabir.

"All coaches must have the desire to be the best that they can and set standards that lead toward positive development in the sport.'' To that end Sabir reiterated the BFA's commitment to excellence regardless of any public notion.

"We've never lost desire to make a difference, but sometimes the road is long and winding.'' Jon Beard, who holds a full badge from the English FA, will conduct the course which starts on October 16 and continue to October 28. Classes will take place at Devonshire Rec., on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m.

The course is open to all coaches who have successfully obtained the C-Licence or those long term coaches having been granted exemption.

The annual Primary Schools Six-A-Side competition will take place on Tuesday, October 17 at Shelly Bay Field starting at 12.30 p.m. A rain date has been set for Thursday, October 19.