climes of Bermuda after spending the winter kicking up a storm for the Harrisburg Heat of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL).

Bascome's team were knocked out in the first round of the play-offs by division champions Detroit in two games, with Detroit winning the first match 19-12 and then taking the second 16-8.

The Bermuda national team player, scheduled to return home in two weeks' time, said that he was pleased with how the season -- his first as a professional -- had gone.

"It was all right,'' said Bascome when in Pennsylvania. "It took me about three weeks to get used to playing indoors and I enjoyed it more and more as time went by.'' In fact he said that things had gone better than he had anticipated and he was able to play in 18 out of 25 matches when he did not expect the coach to use him that much, as he was a newcomer to the team.

Although used mostly as a forward Bascome also played in midfield on the six-man team and managed a creditable 22 points, scoring 11 goals and registering three assists.

Bascome said that he wants to get back to Bermuda so that he can practise with the local squad outside.

"The indoor game has been helpful with my close touches,'' said the young professional. "I feel fit but I'll need to get readjusted with the open spaces outdoors.'' One blemish on the year has been a troublesome back ailment that has plagued the young Bermudian since returning to the US following the match here against Norway in February. He has been forced to play with a special brace to combat the problem.

Constant pounding on the dreaded astroturf used for indoor play is believed to be the cause of the injury. But the Harrisburg team physio has told him that the problem will work itself out and Bascome should soon be back at 100 percent.

Said Bascome: "I've been able to play and I can run okay, but my back hurts and sometimes stiffens up when I cool down.

"I couldn't rest it during the season as the team was trying to make the play-offs and needed to win.'' As far as being ready to play on the national team, who meet Haiti April 26, Bascome feels that the injury will not hinder him any. He stressed that he wants no special treatment from manager Gary Darrell, preferring to earn his spot through performance in training rather than be included based on his professional status.

Even though the indoor league is finished Bascome is scheduled to play two exhibition matches with Harrisburg before returning to Bermuda.

Bascome had expected to sign on with the Maryland O'Bays, but their withdrawal from the outdoor league has left him somewhat stranded. He still has hopes of securing trials with another club, but with the two player per team limit on foreign players he is not very optimistic of his chances for this year.

"I was checking out one team in Miami, bit there are only five teams in the league and each are allowed two green card players.

"Being a rookie my chances of picking up with another team are slim.'' However, all is not dead as the O'Bays are to rejoin the league next year, as the awareness of the World Cup reaches feverish pitch. Bascome's indoor club holds an option on next year's contract and he expects them to exercise it.

Contrary to popular belief Bascome said that soccer is really popular in his community and gaining elsewhere. Local fans and boosters have received him well and have been extremely helpful.

Said Bascome: "The whole neighbourhood loves soccer. You can see soccer balls in almost every house.'' Signing autographs for the youngsters and being mobbed in public places by supporters came as somewhat of a surprise, but the 23-year-old has taken it all in stride.

"The fans really make you feel appreciated, which is what needs to happen more in Bermuda.

"The kids are always running up for autographs and sometimes I have to wear a hood when I go out so that people don't recognise me and crowd around.'' Nevertheless, Bermuda will offer a welcome respite from the daily rigours of life as a full-fledged professional, at least for a little while. And with a productive first season under his belt Bascome's sophomore year should pay even more dividends.