by the Bermuda Football Association this week when they handed over a cheque of $100,000 to the sport's top officials yesterday.

The size of the cheque makes Centre Re the leading sponsor of the BFA.

Portions of the money will go towards the employment of a technical director, training equipment and the senior national squad, which returns to international competition next weekend in Jamaica.

"The primary reason we got involved is we felt the money that would be spent is money that the entire Bermuda community would receive the benefit of,'' said George Hutchings, vice president of underwriting and a member of the Charities Committee at Centre Re.

The money is for one year but Centre Re is receptive to the idea of extending its involvement with the sport, having given support to the International Youth Tournament here last year.

The BFA unveiled a $4.1 million, six-year plan to prospective sponsors on Monday night at Government House, by which time Centre Re had already made the decision to support the venture. "We hope to establish a long-term relationship but we will review our position with the BFA every year,'' said Phyllis Simmons, chairperson of Centre Re's Charities Contribution Committee.

"They sold us on it and we are very impressed with what they have done and we got on board based on that.'' Added Hutchings: "What the BFA has demonstrated to us is the fact they are moving forward in a well-organised manner and that they are looking out for the best interest of the sport on the island.'' The BFA is hoping other companies will follow.

"We're very grateful for Centre Re's sponsorship lead and we hope it will encourage other potential sponsors to enquire as to what the BFA is setting out,'' said BFA general secretary David Sabir.

"By Centre Re showing good faith in the association it should give a higher level of confidence to others in Bermuda that this programme is worthy of support, both financial and otherwise.''