Dear Sir,

Please allow me a few lines to first of all congratulate the Under-17 national team, Kenny Thompson and his staff on their fantastic result in the qualifying tournament.

They stuck to the task, played entertaining football and showed character, which was a treat to watch. The BFA should also be commended on the deal they brokered with Locust Sports in producing our own national strip and tracksuit, which can be purchased by football supporters. Hopefully, these items will be snapped up by the public.

As you can imagine with all the events there usually is a low point. Well for me it was the lack of fan support for these young players, our future. As I sat and watched over the three match days I could not help but reflect on the times I have been abroad with national age group teams and seen the support that is given by citizens of those countries.

I find it amazing that we are always quick to judge and admonish our young people whenever they do wrong but are slow to support and acknowledge them when they are involved in and doing positive things. Case in point, the tournament which recently concluded.

I am a realist and recognise that people have things to do and not everyone is a football fan but sadly there are enough people out there who could have easily filled one side of the stadium whether it was the grandstand or regular seating but this did not happen.

In my opinion, I feel it is important that we all start showing with our actions that we really do care about the development and success of our young people whether it is the Under-17 national team or a group of young people involved in say, Suzette Harvey's dance programmes. It's funny how so often we only react or want action taken after the fact when something negative has happened but when given the opportunity to do something in support of positive actions we continue to fail. The time has come for all of us to finally come together for the common good of our young people.

I am sure many of us have heard that it takes a village to raise a child. So here's some food for thought: Would it not be cheaper to pay $38 for the complete series in advance or even $15 per adult and $5 for a child under 12 in support of something positive for our young people that will have a lasting impression on them and enhance their development than to have to pay $40,000 or $50,000 dollars to rehabilitate that same person later on at Westgate because we just did not take the time to show we really cared when it mattered the most.

So again Under-17s, well done. Kenny continue to soldier on and do the best you can for now it's up to us, the public, to play our part. Simply it's up to us to “put our money where our mouth is”. Action always speaks louder than words.

MARK TROTT

Dear Sir,

This past week I had the chance to see the Bermuda Under-17 team in the Caribbean Football Union qualifying tournament.

It was a treat to see our young people compete and move on to the next round of qualifying. They worked very hard together as a unit. As a coach this is always good to see.

Mr. (Kenny) Thompson and his staff should be commended on a job well done.

Although it was not an easy road, the other nations put up a good fight thus making it a very interesting and nail-biting event. Our boys showed their true colours and came through in true fashion and form. It was a thrill to see!

The other teams, Trinidad, St. Lucia and Guyana, should also be congratulated on a fine outing.

The winners, Bermuda, went through to the next round by a slim margin so it goes to show it was a tight group.

It was a delight to shake Mr. Thompson's hand after the match.

As he was moved to tears you could see that all his hard work had paid off. He had also answered his critics. So in the future I hope we, as fans, understand and appreciate what goes into planning and making a championship team. Especially when it involves young people.

It takes a commitment from not only the young people but the parents as well and other family members - it is a total commitment from a lot of people to make the undertaking work.

Having said that I would like to thank the fans and the administration for putting on a fine event.

Now it's off to the next round and once again it will take even harder work from everyone involved.

In the area of our play we all realise we need to work harder on our game.

To Mr. Thompson, a friendly word. To add to your hard work and good coaching, Dennis Brown can help ease some of that load. He is, like yourself, a proven winner on and off the field and I know he loves working with our young people and he can be a great asset to you and your programme.

Good luck in the next round.

MARK JENNINGS

USSF licensed coach