years for their achievements, a group of young Bermudians have taken strides to host an awards ceremony at the end of this season.

The three-man group, headed by former First Division player Mark Wade and also comprising Troy Symonds and Keith Steede, are organising a National Football Awards Ceremony, which promises an evening of entertainment and reward for players, officials...and those who just want to witness a good show and enjoy themselves.

"Basically, what we found was that this hadn't happened in football for two years so there was a definite void in the scheme of things,'' said Wade, now playing with Exiles of the Commercial Division.

"It was really painful in a World Cup year, where Bermuda was charged up and had players home keeping football in the minds of the fans, that we didn't honour those people.

"So, rather than just sit back and talk about it, we felt that we would do something ourselves.

"We're going to honour the people from football -- the outstanding individuals, the MVP, outstanding young player and so on -- and what we want to do is charge these individuals with a sense of responsibility that they are role models and need to lift up the younger players in the league to try to achieve good things in football and life as well.'' Also included in the list are prizes for the leading goal-scorers in the First and Second Divisions, coach of the year and one for the team with the least disciplinary points (i.e. yellow cards, red cards).

Most recently, the Ex-Artillerymen's Association had sponsored the post-season awards but lost interest, mainly because of low player turn-out.

David Bascome was the last player to capture the Most Valuable Player trophy following the 1990-91 season.

Noting previous failures, Symonds emphasised that theirs will be a true gala event, one not to be missed, and that no expense would be spared to ensure its success.

At least 14 main sponsors have already been secured to underwrite the show and some will even have their names synonymous with awards.

"Some of the awards we have come up with are very interesting and hopefully will be known throughout the Island,'' said Symonds, who is in charge of marketing. "We came up with things that are synonymous with the Bermuda culture, such as the Cedar Boot award for the highest goal-scorer.

"Every award is very unique and cultural as well. It's going to be set up in a way that when people receive their awards they're going to really feel they've achieved something and been properly recognised.'' Steede, who will oversee the entertainment section, echoed the sentiments of his partners, indicating that he is in the process of securing top local talent to perform at the show.

"Our overall objective is to raise national pride in local soccer and this would go a long way,'' said Steede. "I listened to Damon Wade on TV talking about why our soccer does not improve and I feel pride has a lot to do with it.

"We have to recognise and reward our players so that they have something to shoot for and want to play.'' IN A GIVING MOOD -- Three members of the National Football Awards Committee, from left, Troy Symonds, Mark Wade and Keith Steede.