When Dwyia Blyden pulls on his Arsenal jersey before his ISL game against Royal he does so knowing the result is almost an irrelevancy.

Not that he won’t be doing his utmost to ensure his team secures a place in the inaugural six-a-side competition’s play-offs.

It is just that the 20-year-old is already well on his way to winning his own personal battle of turning his life around after serving an 18-month prison sentence.

And it is through sporting ventures like David Bascome’s ISL he credits for providing a medium for him to channel his sometimes “hot-temper” and restore his pride.

“While I was in jail I decided I needed to turn my life around and it’s through football I have been able to start that process,” said Dwyia who hails from Paget.

“I don’t want to go back to jail and playing football keeps me positive and keeps me out of bother.

“The day I got released I started playing again and it’s on the pitch where I feel most calm and relaxed.

“I still get into trouble now and again but I’m getting there and the ISL has had a major impact on that.

“I have rediscovered my love for the game and it’s made me feel a lot more positive about my life.”

Last week the Royal Gazette reported that a disappointing turnout among spectators was jeopardising the financial viability and long-term future of the Island Soccer League.

Organisers had envisioned the ISL drawing crowds of 500 with the promise of faster-paced action, music, live acts and plenty of sponsors’ giveaways.

But the despite the pre-launch vision not yet materialising, Dwyia believes to judge the league’s success purely on spectator turnout is to miss the point.

“Sure it would be great if more people came out and supported the ISL — it deserves it there’s no doubt about that.

“You know this league has brought together players from different parts of the island who don’t normally get along and here we are playing in the same teams.

“The coach of Arsenal Nick Jones has done a lot for me by getting me involved in the ISL — it’s been a great experience.

“I absolutely love coming down here and playing at a top stadium with a great atmosphere. David Bascome has told the 120 players he wants us to be role models for the young kids and behave in the correct manner, and while I have not been a role model in the past it’s something I’m striving to be.”

Arsenal boss Nick Jones believes Dwyia has the potential and ability to play at a higher level of football and is backing his young charge to stay on the straight and narrow.

“Dywia is at a cross-roads in his life but we believe he will make the right decisions and maintain the progress he is making,” he said.

“He is a very talented player and if he keeps working hard he could soon be playing at a higher standard — he has pace to burn.

“He is proof the ISL has already been a success and it’s definitely had a positive impact on his life and hopefully opened his eyes to all the good things he is capable of.

“He shows this league goes beyond football and deserves more support than it’s currently receiving.”

Arsenal take on Royal tomorrow night at 8.30pm at the National Stadium.

They require a victory and need both the Titans and the Union to lose in order advance as the sixth seed for the play-offs.