Winning the Crystal Palace Cup this year could be an extra memorable occasion for whichever under-16 team lifts the coveted trophy.

That's because it is very likely to be the last time that the Cup is up for grabs.

According to Johnny Nusum, a member of the Bermuda Football Association's Youth and Development Committee, plans are under consideration to replace the Crystal Palace Cup competition with a knockout tournament and trophy for under-15 players.

"It's something we are considering strongly. The present trophy, which is the original, is in a very dilapidated state and we are looking at getting something new," said Nusum. "For me and many of the other older guys, the Crystal Palace Cup was very significant and we like to continue these traditions but at some point you have to move on.

"This is something which I think we can decide on at committee level but since the Cup has such a great history and a lot of meaning to our football, I think we would like to have the backing of the executive committee on this."

Since Shell currently sponsor youth football it is anticipated that the new trophy will bear that company's name and will be unveiled for the 2002-03 season. Nusum, who is also the co-ordinator of the Shell Youth League, said the matter will be on the agenda for discussion at a meeting with Shell later this year.

"Shell have been very supportive in sponsoring football and this change is something we will be putting to them," the football administrator added.

Nusum also explained that while the Crystal Palace Cup, which was inaugurated in 1966, was competed for by under-16 players, it is proposed that the tournament replacing it be contested by under-15s as there are many under-13s graduating to that level next season.

Asked what will become of the Crystal Palace Cup, Nusum could not say."That's still to be determined. Any club which got the Crystal Palace Cup would be honoured to have it, I'm sure. Maybe it should stay in the BFA offices for posterity because there's a lot of history behind it."

He said the Crystal Palace Cup competition was established during a visit by the English First Division club of the same name to the Island after it was realised that there was only an under-18 division in youth football here, with under-16 players struggling to compete in it.

"Many footballers who are now established or retired will reflect on competing in the Crystal Palace Cup. Many coaches and club representatives are part of Crystal Palace Cup folklore," noted Nusum.