The fourth annual soccer clinic run by professionals David Bascome and Shawn Goater has shifted to a new gear this summer with the implementation of advanced courses for older players.

Bascome, a member of the indoor soccer team Harrisburg Heat of the NPSL and Goater who plays for English Second Division team Rotherham United, are excited about what they have planned for the 10-16 year-old youths who will attend their two clinics at Bernard Park from June 26 to July 7.

"The advanced courses we have planned will enable the older ones to do drills of a higher quality in order that we can maintain their interest instead of continuing to do something they have already done,'' said Bascome.

"We knew that about 30 percent were already skilled. Now we are trying to put them on another level and help in their continued development.'' Goater agreed that it was important to maintain the interest of the older players and noted that teaching them the basic drills over and over again wouldn't be a productive exercise.

The two pros, however, are still looking forward to working with the younger boys, Goater pointing out that in the past they had always been impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the youngsters.

"Their attention span is high, they seem to be very appreciative of the whole programme and we expect the same response this time around,'' said Goater.

"Our reason for continuing with the programme is to put something back into the community and it is largely through the support we get from our major sponsor, the Bank of Bermuda who have supported us from day one, that we are successful,'' he added.

The programme has in the past attracted more than 80 kids a week and attendance is expected to be just as high this summer, although both Bascome and Goater agreed that the limitations of the ground made it difficult to accept more players.

Once again the two are hopeful of getting help from qualified coaches. But they are insistent that anyone interested in assisting at the clinic should at least have completed a refresher course for coaches in recent years.

Among those who have assisted in the past are Devarr Boyles, Jon Beard, Josef Gooden and Kyle Lightbourne, who plays for English team Walsall who were just promoted from the Third Division.

Coaches for this summer's course are still being lined up.

Youngsters from five years old to 16 are urged to register as soon as possible. The schedule calls for one clinic to run from June 26-31 and the other from July 3-7.

Each youngster who participates will receive Bascome/Goater jerseys and shorts, a certificate of participation and parents will be provided with a progress report.

Registration forms can be obtained at the Bank of Bermuda's main branch on Front Street. The deadline for entries is June 12.

Anyone wanting further information can call 293-4349 or 292-9742.

ON THE BALL -- Bermudian soccer pros David Bascome (left) and Shawn Goater are busy preparing for the start of their annual summer clinic on June 26.