First Division football kicks off with a brand new team at the start of next season.

The introduction of Magnum Force was unanimously approved at a meeting of the BFA Executive Committee last month.

Under the management of former Vasco goalkeeper Anthony Lima, the Force's emphasis will be placed firmly on youth with the club offering opportunities to youngsters who have had limited opportunities to shine at other clubs on the Island.

However, Lima also intends to draft in a solid core of more experienced players to help in the development of his fledgling squad.

The Force will include the likes of youngsters such as Andre Pacheco, a 16-year-old who has played little competitive football in Bermuda but whose talents have earned him trials with Major League Soccer club New England Revolution, with whom he is currently training.

Lima was reluctant to release the names of the older players who will be playing for Magnum Force this year, saying that an announcement will be made closer to the start of the season.

However, he was keen to point out that his newly-formed club was "a long term project," noting that the squad would take some time to gel and mature.

And he served notice to the rest of the First Division that the Force was "here to stay" and would not be "a flash-in the-pan".

"The club will be durable and competitive," said Lima.

He saw no reason why The Force would not be capable of challenging for Premier Division status "within three or four years".

Lima also talked enthusiastically about the possible introduction of football scholarships over the next two years to provide an extra incentive to talented youngsters to become involved with the side.

His club, added Lima, would not be concerned purely with football. On his insistence, each member of the squad would be required to carry out around five hours of community service every month. This would include, among other things, helping the elderly and the disabled.

Troy Landy, a disabled artist, is also currently busy designing Magnum Force T-shirts, which will soon be on general sale with a percentage of the profits being set aside for the charity of his choice.

Lima commented: "I am a big believer in helping the disabled because I have worked with them for some time now. Though football is undoubtedly important, it is also important that we in sport give something back to the wider community.

"Through Magnum Force, we are determined to do just that."