Dear Sir,

Thank you for once again allowing me space in your newspaper to express my views.

The upcoming BFA AGM is to be held today and I thought it best to bring to the general public's attention one of the issues to be addressed. This time it is with regards to Kenny Thompson's new football academy.

Apparently some so called 'established' clubs are planning to prevent this new programme from participating in the BFA youth leagues. Their rationale behind this action is that players should not be allowed to leave their club's programmes to join Mr. Thompson's.

Presently the BFA youth transfer regulations require a parent's or guardian's signature in order for a youth player to change clubs. Is it not a parent's right to evaluate a programme and then choose the best place for their children?

Are the children of Bermuda not entitled to pursue the best the country has to offer? Should the children of Bermuda be forced to join a club they know is not delivering the goods?

Over the years new clubs have evolved and grown to become established in the football family. Now suddenly individuals with personal agendas aim to lock out any competitor that displaces their complacency at the upcoming AGM. Because players switch from club to club, is it wrong for Mr. Thompson to provide a different option?

When an overseas programme (school or club) offers an opportunity to youth players, the clubs do not attempt to block it. I wonder if it's because it's a programme run by Mr. Thompson that suddenly there is something wrong with it.

Andrew Bascome has seen it fit to start his own programme as well. Should he be forced to do it under the umbrella of an established club?

Surely the experience and knowledge of these two men has led them to believe that the current state of clubs in Bermuda will not work for their programmes. The grounds for blocking these programmes is said to be that these organisations do not have a constitution. This issue was never raised when other clubs joined the BFA youth leagues in the past few years.

If a motion to prevent these new organisations from participation passes it will be obvious to all that there is little difference between the mindset of the affiliates of the BFA and that of the BTFA.

BENNY