As expected, North Village's Kentoine Jennings emerged the big winner during the Bermuda Football Association's awards ceremony at Ocean View Golf Club.

However, after receiving the 2001/02 Best Defensive and Most Valuable Player of the Year accolades for another sterling season at the heart of Village's defence, the gifted veteran dropped a bombshell.

“This was my final year,” revealed Jennings. “Not because of my age but because I felt that Village have so many young players around, especially defenders.

“Over the summer I am going to see what happens and then decide. But for me I think that it is pretty much time for me to pack up my boots in the Premier Division and just enjoy all of the success that I have experienced throughout the years and let the youth take over.”

The night's other big winner in the Women's Division was Rude Girls' striker Chevonne Furbert who walked away with the 2001/02 Most Valuable Player of the Year and top goal poacher awards, the player hitting the back of the net 35 times.

“It was a hard season,” said Furbert. “I started off slow, but when I realised it was time for FA (Cup) I began to put in a little extra training on the side and in the end it all paid off.”

The Young Player of the Year award in the Women's Division also went to Rude Girls, with Ashley Wall the grateful recipient, while Boulevard's talented young forward Tekeyhi Walker wrapped up the Men's Division.

Devonshire Cougars' top marksman Raymond Beach (13) left the ceremony a cool customer after grabbing the Premier Division's most prolific scorer award, while Blazers' Melchisedec Gibbons topped the the First Division with 19 goals.

Robin Hood's ‘merry women' walked away with the Women's Fair Play Award, while Prospect emerged as true gentlemen among the Men's Division.

Incredibly, Hood received only one yellow card for the entire season!

Village's keeper Zane Hendrickson was named 2001/02 goalkeeper of the year in the Men's category, while Robin Hood's Douang Athitang topped the women's division.

To cap off a brilliant season in which his team won the coveted League and FA Cup, Village coach Scott Morton, as expected, was named as the 2001/02 coach of the year for accomplishing the impressive double in only his second year at the helm.

“It was struggle at the beginning of the season but like they say God doesn't put anything in front of you that you can't handle,” the coach said. “So I guess he (God) was trying to test us and we came through it all.

“It just goes to show how well things can work out if you don't let them offset you when the chips are down. You have to know how to fight when your back is against the wall and don't be afraid.”

Rude Girls' coach Vance Brown who guided his team to yet another sweeping season was unanimously voted Women's Division Coach of the Year.

“If you work hard and put in the time, then you get the rewards,” said Brown. “I am just thankful to receive this reward.”

Dandy Stars' Shawnette Perot secured the women's Defensive Player of the Year award.

In another surprise on the night, Bermuda Referee's Association (BRA) secretary Steve Wakeland was voted as Official of the Year, while colleague Andre ‘Doc' Manders was nominated as the Most Improved Official for 2001/02.

BFA president Larry Mussenden presented the awards while several leading BFA officials were also present among the audience. Master of Ceremonies for the night was BFA secretary David Sabir.

All nominees were selected by a special panel of coaches from around the leagues.