Soccer star David Bascome is tackling rising gang violence head-on in a partnership with one of Bermuda's most established family firms.

The footballer has teamed up with grocery store chain Lindo's to encourage youngsters to score goals instead of guns, drugs and alcohol.

Mr. Bascome, commissioner of the Island Soccer League, is the founder of Hope4Life, a motivational programme which aims to focus young people on their potential rather than negative peer pressure.

The anti-gang initiative was launched by Government in 2008 to provide eight to 18-year-olds with the skills and information they need to deal with drugs and violence.

It shows youngsters how to resist peer pressure and provides active sporting alternatives to the gang lifestyle.

ISL players also reach out to children and teens by speaking at schools and holding soccer workshops.

This year Hope4Life aims to extend its reach by funding new netball and rugby tournaments.

The programme's sponsor for 2010/11 is the Lindo's Group of Companies. The family firm this week announced a donation of $120,000 to sponsor ISL activities and appearances by players across Bermuda.

Lindo's manager Zach Moniz said: "With the increasing violence we decided we needed to do something and this was a great programme to get involved with.

"Over the past two years it's been like watching a train wreck in slow motion, and I worry about my own children.

"It also impacts on us. The man who was shot on Good Friday [Kimwandae Walker] was the boyfriend of a sister of one of my cashiers, so her and her family took it hard."

Mr. Moniz said: "David has a real passion for the community and football and is a real infectious character. What he is trying to do with the ISL and Hope4Life is something we really want to get behind.

"These programmes provide an outlet for Bermuda's youth to focus on positive activities and establish direction in their lives."

Giorgio Zanol, president of Lindo's Group of Companies, said: "This is giving young people an avenue and trying to get them to live a drug-free and violence-free life."

Mr. Bascome grew up in a foster home. His skill on the field led him to became a professional football player.

He started his career with North Village Rams and signed his first professional contract at 20, with the Harrisburg Heat of the National Professional Soccer League in the US.

After 13 seasons of indoor soccer he won his first championship with the Baltimore Blast in 2004. Two years later he became assistant coach and helped the team to the 2008 Major Indoor Soccer League Championship.

The 40-year-old recently became a member of Champion 4 Champions, joining sporting legends such as NBA star Sam Jones and NFL player Ken Easley.

Although he lives in the US, the soccer star returns to Bermuda each summer to hold soccer clinics and nurture local talent.

Mr. Bascome said: "Through Hope4Life we want to give young people opportunities.

"This is our Country and although it may not be one of my family shedding tears because of this violence, it hurts. We are all in this together and need to look at the reasons behind it.

"Young people have the answers and so we need to ask them questions and build programmes which address the sources of the problem.

"We have to find a way back into their lives. We have to bridge that gap between generation X and generation Y."

He said: "We also need to get the community and more corporate sponsors on board.

"For Lindo's to support what we are doing is a matter of trust, and we appreciate their trust in us. We look forward to working with them closely throughout the season.

"If we save one life, there is no dollar figure you can put on that, it's priceless."

As part of the partnership, ISL players will make appearances at Lindo's stores throughout the season. This Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., youngsters can visit the Hope4Life bus at the Devonshire store to meet some of the players and get a free CD copy of the ISL song and games schedule.

The ISL Bermuda's first professional soccer league, is now in its fourth year. For more information visit www.islsoccer.com.