An all-encompassing plan to develop sport at the grassroots level for the benefit of all is what Government should be focusing on, not simply handing out $150,000 over the next ten years for a single football cup tournament.

That is an inadequate response to the Island’s sporting needs when there is no comprehensive sporting programme for the Island’s youth, according to Shadow Sports Minister Jon Brunson.

While welcoming Government stepping in this week to provide sponsorship for the annual Dudley Eve Tournament he wants to know where is the true vision — and cash — for a sports infrastructure and development programmes that will make a genuine impact on the young people of Bermuda.

He spoke out a day after Premier Ewart Brown announced Government was filling in as sponsor of the 28-year-old Dudley Eve Cup tournament following the loss of last year’s sponsor CCS Group.

The tournament, named after Bermuda Football Association stalwart the late Dudley Eve will now be known as the Premier’s Dudley Eve Cup Competition.

“I support the idea of funding the Dudley Eve tournament but what is disappointing to me is the Government thinking sponsoring this tournament is support for football,” said Mr. Brunson.

“The investment needs to take place not just at the top of the game but at the development and infrastructure of the sport for our young players.

“We have youth teams that have dissolved because the infrastructure does not support their existence.

“We have workingmen’s clubs that have had no investment. Look at teams like Southampton Rangers and others, if this Government was really assisting football we would be seeing it invest in the infrastructure.”

And Mr. Brunson wonders about the timing of the cash injection into football, one of the most widely played sports on the Island.

“It is always when there is either a World Cup on or an election coming. So this must be electioneering,” he said.

A reported request by the BFA to Government for a $36 million investment in the game over six years is thought to have been made in October and to still be under consideration.

According to Mr. Brunson, the Government does not have a thought-out sporting development programme backed by financial commitment.

He said: “I’m sure Dudley Eve would wish that the development of football be a priority.

“Government does not have any plan for how they want to develop football or sport in general. There should be a focus on the development of sport.

“Without developing the game at the grassroots level we will never aspire to being represented on the world stage.

“I would like to see the Government articulate what the agenda is for sport and not just make a piecemeal gesture or take a public relations approach.”

The UBP MP also questions why it was necessary to add the word “Premier’s” to the title of the cup competition.

“Dudley Eve gave his life to football and it should be about him and not the fact that the Premier has committed the funds. By changing the name it takes away from the sweat, tears and lifelong commitment that Dudley had for the game.”

Mr. Brunson added: “Before this Government throws money at events it needs to have and be able to articulate what its overall strategy is for the development of sport in general and then, and only then, will we see all sport moving forward, because (sponsoring) an event does not create a legacy programme.”