A disappointing spectator turn-out is jeopardising the financial viability and long-term future of the Island Soccer League, commissioner David Bascome has revealed.

Since being unveiled amidst a clamour of hype and furore the fledging venture has failed to ignite the imagination of Islanders — with only a paltry number of people attending games.

Organisers had envisioned the six-a-side competition drawing in crowds of around 500, with the promise of faster-paced action, music, live acts and plenty of sponsors’ giveaways.

But despite the ISL still being in its relative infancy the pre-launch vision has failed to materialise with just over a hundred spectators turning out some evenings.

Earlier this week Nick Jones, who coaches ISL outfit Arsenal, launched a scathing attack on Bermuda’s “apathetic public” for their no-show and urged Bermudians to lend their support.

And while indoor football stalwart Bascome is keen to stress the on-field aspect of the product has been a “resounding success”, he concedes he is concerned about the business side of his brainchild.

“From a business perspective the lack of turnout does have an impact on the ISL and that makes my life a whole lot tougher,” he said.

“But I can’t let that overshadow the rest of the product that has been incredibly successful.

“Sure, it does frustrate and irate me that we haven’t attracted more supporters and I can appreciate Nick Jones’ views.

“At first I thought I had done something wrong but I now realise I haven’t and will continue to push this because I believe it has a great deal of substance.

“Did I expect more people to come? Yes. But that’s life and I will not dwell on that and prefer to look at the positives.”

The ISL league’s fixtures are staged at the National Sports Centre twice a week with 120 players from across the Island involved.

And Bascome is quick to praise the commitment and discipline of his players which has eclipsed even his high standards and believes they deserve more recognition from the public.

“This league is a controlled, professional environment and aims to promote role models for young children — which it has done. “Every one of the players involved has behaved impeccably and I know that the ISL has enriched their lives.

“It annoys me people are so quick to knock our nation’s footballers when they perceive them to have done something wrong, but then won’t support them when they deserve it.”

The ISL is not merely a tournament for Baltimore Blast veteran Bascome but a long-term vision he hopes to branch out to incorporate youth development programmes.

He has already invited representatives from one Caribbean island to attend an evening of fixtures to push his blueprint — which he hopes to eventually take to other countries.

A Players Development League for 14-18 year-olds is also in the pipeline, as well as a Youth Support Programme aimed furthering the academic education of its participants.

“Whatever happens I believe the ISL will return next summer,” added Bascome.

“It has so much potential and I just hope it’s given the time and support to evolve.”