Bermuda Football Association (BFA) announced yesterday that prominent local law firm Appleby Spurling and Kempe is to play a leading role in the association's Youth Development Programme.

AS&K is now the programme's premier sponsor for the pre-season youth tournament, various youth leagues and post-season cup competitions.

AS&K managing partner Peter Bubenzer said yesterday: "Supporting activities that cover the youth of Bermuda under the firm's Community Partnership Programme is very important to us and we are delighted to contribute to the new and expanded youth development initiatives being implemented by the BFA."

Bubenzer also said that the law firm found it appealing that the BFA executive was determined to address issues related to football in Bermuda while also attempting to take the sport to a higher level utilising a "professional" and "strategic" approach.

The new youth development initiative places strict emphasis on enhancing grassroots development; competitions strategy; coach education; national team academy and football camps.

The 2002/03 youth season officially kicks off this weekend with the National Sports Centre set to be the venue for the inaugural pre-season youth tournament.

"We are particularly impressed with this programme because significantly, as well as developing player's skills and enjoyment of the game, it will set and monitor academic and behavioural standards of all participants with the assistance of their schools and parents and we applaud the BFA's efforts in this regard," added Bubenzer.

BFA Director of Youth Development Kenny Thompson, added: "The BFA is extremely excited about our new partnership with Appleby Spurling and Kempe.

"Their support now allows us to improve the structure of the youth competitions."

The comprehensive BFA Youth Development Programme currently involves approximately 1,500 registered youth players and is comprised of primarily boys though a few girls have also registered.

The new youth initiative is also designed to assist all affiliated clubs.

"AS&K's support will now aid the BFA administration to fulfil its mandate of improving football at the domestic level as a prerequisite to competing more favourably in international competitions and not the opposite way around,"added Thompson.

Also on display at yesterday were several of the new pristine youth trophies.

BFA president, Larry Mussenden said: "The BFA is committed to the development and promotion of football for the present and future generations by utilising the efforts of all stakeholders to enhance the cultural and technical aspects of both our domestic and international programmes.

"This announcement clearly demonstrates the validity of our mission and we are delighted that Appleby Spurling and Kempe have decided to travel along this path with us."