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Boyles: I need more support

Devarr Boyles Photo by Mark Tatem

Bermuda Football Association’s (BFA) youth director Devarr Boyles has vowed to build on the solid foundations left by his mentor Derek Broadley although he admits he is currently doing the work of two men.Boyles is yet to be named as the new technical director despite performing that role, as well as his youth director’s duties, since March when Broadley left the Island.And with the BFA likely to merge both positions as part of a cost-cutting exercise, having had their annual grant slashed in the recent Government Budget, it doesn’t seem Boyles’ mountainous workload will be alleviated any time soon.“To be honest it’s murder!” Boyles said of his current duel role. “It’s a big challenge, the work Derek was doing is still on the table in the sense there’s a lot to be done.”When asked whether he would like another full-time member of staff, Boyles replied: “I’d love that, I’d love that. I don’t know (our) budget, or what’s being drafted, but certainly there’s a lot of work that needs to be done.“We are one (member of staff) short now and the mountain of work is still here. In effect it’s going to increase because (local) football is starting to grow. We’re looking to harness Under-5s football under the Association’s umbrella ... there’s a new intake of Under-11 National Academy players ... we’re also reinstating the girls National Academy programme.”Broadley’s no-nonsense, straight-talking style might have ruffled a few feathers among the previous BFA executive, but Boyles insists the ex-TD made a massive contribution to local football during his three years on the Island.“The legacy left by Derek is huge. He had a big impression on many local coaches who I believe appreciate the value of the work he did while he was in Bermuda,” said Boyles, an ex-Devonshire Cougars and Dandy Town coach.“Hopefully the National Academy coaches and the new player development committee can move things forward. We want to maintain what’s already in place but will look to add another layer to it. That will be the biggest compliment to Derek.“Our original remit was to remain competitive, develop a Bermudian style of play and become innovative. Those remain the three big cornerstones of what we’re working towards.”Boyles will receive some extra technical support in the form of two part-time coaches who will join Scott Morton, Gary Darrell, Maurice Lowe and Don Vickers in the National Academy coaching team.“We’ve advertised for two coaching positions and we’ve had around 12 applicants,” he said. “They will be sifted through by the player development committee who will complete the hiring process.”The National Academy are currently holding trials for players born in 2000. Trials started yesterday and will continue over the course of the next two weeks. For the full schedule visit the BFA website at www.bermudafa.com.