Government House earlier this year, has already attracted considerable corporate sponsorship.

But the search for big bucks continues.

Centre Re Insurance were the first to respond by donating $100,000 to help the senior national squad, and only last week long-time soccer sponsors The Bank of Bermuda announced their intention to inject $200,000 to aid the under-15 national team.

Now the BFA would like more companies to come forward as they attempt to propel all six national teams, including the women's, into the international arena.

"We are talking about the development of our youth, at all stages,'' said International Youth Committee member Jon Beard. "Unlike before, it's not just the senior team. We're talking about teams from the Under-13s to the seniors and the women's team. We are talking about a continuing development programme.'' The BFA's six year plan called for an injection of four million dollars over that period, and the BFA remain hopeful that their committee, headed by Beard and Larry Mussenden, will be able to help convince more of those in the corporate sector to come forward.

"We based the six year plan around the international competitions such as the Junior World Cup, Olympics and Senior World Cup ... all of these teams have specific targets to be aiming for,'' said Beard.

"It's not a question of saying let's have a team this year and not know where we are going. We have specific targets, and if we can continue the present momentum I am fairly sure that we will be able to get sponsorship on board for all of the teams by the end of the year.'' The teams the BFA are still seeking support for include the Under-20s, Under-18s, Under-13s and a women's national team which has yet to be assembled.

Discussions are already being held with a potential sponsor for the Under-20s.

Beard pointed out that while no company had come close to matching the donations of Centre Re and the Bank, the smaller amounts received were still "very much appreciated'' by the BFA.

"We are truly grateful to Centre Re and the Bank of Bermuda, but there are a few others who have given some financial help which we appreciate,'' said Beard, who singled out Shell for their long-time contributions.