As I sat at home in Baltimore last week waiting to find out which direction the clubs would take in the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) presidential election, I couldn't decide on who they would select to move Bermuda football forward. Would they choose change, or stay and hope that the old powers get it right?

When hearing the outcome I was pleased and happy with their choice to move in a new direction and allow the torch to be passed on.

This column is not about what I think others have to do to make our local game work, but about what I have to do to help progress.

This means I must come clean with the way I have been dealing with the BFA.

For years I've been waiting for the BFA to contact me about helping move the game forward.

For years I've felt the BFA did not favour me or the fact that I continued to do my own thing.

For years I've had a lack of trust in them and strongly questioned some of the decisions they have made.

Now, some might agree that I had valid points or reasons at the time.

But, please understand that my past actions have caused problems and stunted the growth of the game and because I chose to move on my own it did not help mend any bridges, but divided them.

But the clubs have now made a change and so must I.

I put my hands up high and say that no longer will I sit back and wait for my door to be knocked on.

No longer will I look to move without the Island's governing body. No longer will I be influenced by others to push against them.

I will now knock on their door and ask the question: "What could I do to help?"

This game is too important for our community and as long as we stay divided we will continue to push our young people away.

Yes, I would give former president Larry Mussenden credit for his accomplishments, but understand that we have not really moved too far forward, because we are not moving forward together. All organisations must come together for us to see real progress.

Sometimes things have to be put aside for the growth for all.

If we continue to move seperately, we will continue to confuse those who are hoping we have our youngsters' best interests at heart.

Lessons have been learnt and I will do everything to help bring us together. As I walk towards the doors of the BFA with an open mind, I just hope that many who have been moving in their own direction will follow my lead.

My BFA, if you feel to embrace me, great! If you feel to push me away that would be fine.

But, I will walk away knowing that I tried and will continue to move forward in the best interests of my young people.

Ok, you ask why now? Well, it was the clubs vote to move in a different direction that has changed mine.

It was their courage to vote for change that has brought me to realise that the time is now.

So, I say to my new president, as the commissioner of the Island Soccer League, professional player/coach of the Baltimore Blast, founder of hope4life and president of Bascome Pro Soccer School, you have my full attention and I am willing to do everything to help make this work.

I called myself out today for the means of progress, hope, belief and trust.

Today, I say to my readers that we all will come to that point in our lives when we have to make sacrifices that will benefit many.

Also, we will have to forgive those things that have been done to us for the advancement of progress.

Courage is the key when making these types of decisions and to have courage you must have confidence and believe in yourself.

I leave you with a quote by Eddie Rickenbacker: "Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared."

Until next time!