Youth football has become one of the chief benefactors of the Bermuda Football Association's (BFA) Government grant with more money than ever being ploughed into the grass-roots level.

Figures released yesterday showed nearly $150,000 of the second quarter of the BFA's $750,000 funding was used to send national youth team players to compete at overseas tournaments. The detailed report outlined the BFA's expenditure during July, August and September.

In September the men's under-23 team travelled to Cuba to try and qualify for the second round in the Concacaf region, drawing one match and losing twice. The trip cost $91,292.

Bermuda's under-15 team went to Trinidad in August to play in the Caribbean Football Union Championships at a cost of $51,104.12. They reached the quarter-finals beating Suriname, St.Vincent and St.Kitts.

Speaking at a press conference at the BFA offices, president Larry Mussenden said prior to the Government grant Bermuda had been unable to always participate in overseas tournaments.

"The BFA used to either have to go out and find the money or make a decision on whether we could participate in that particular tournament," he said. "This is a good example of what the Government grant has been able to do for football in Bermuda.

"It's been fantastic and has allowed us to do things we always wanted to do. We now have a structure of teams from under-15s right up to the national team. That's something we never had before.

"We now have a consistent programme allowing a national team player to progress through all the teams. That framework is now in place and the people of Bermuda should be proud of that."

The report's breakdown of finances also provided details of Bermuda's recent home turf doubleheader against St.Kitts and Nevis, which cost the BFA $37,000.

Mussenden said in the case of friendly matches it was protocol for the host nation to cover all on-Island costs, while the BFA also made a contribution to St.Kitts' travel expenses.

He added the BFA would also take care of on-Island expenses when Puerto Rico arrived in Bermuda for next week's friendly matches, while the visitors would cover their travel expenses.

"This report is in keeping with the accountability and transparency of our Association to the development of football for all in Bermuda."