Organisers of the All-Star Classic are considering a switch to a more central location as they try to maximise the appeal of the event.

A change this year from a January date to December when the college students were back home resulted in three entertaining matches at Somerset on Sunday, but the games failed to attract a big crowd.

A number of factors are believed to have contributed to the average turn-out, including the location, promotion of the event and the fact that several players were missing because of the under-23s tour of Florida.

"Moving the game from January to December was a good move but in all fairness we probably could have promoted it a little bit more,'' acknowledged Craig Tyrrell, chairman of Bermuda Football Association's League and Competitions committee.

"We just need to step up on the promotional side. Everybody likes to see offensive games and lots of goals and the fans definitely got what they paid for. I'm just a little disappointed that the crowd wasn't as big as we had anticipated. All we can do is try to make the event better.'' In the opening women's game the Blues beat the Whites 5-4 with Tanya Semos scoring four of the winners' goals.

The second game, the under-21s, which was arguably the best of the three, produced eight goals in regulation time as the East came back from 4-1 down in the second half to draw 4-4 and eventually win 5-4 on penalty kicks. Mel Gibbons, a talented youngster with Devonshire Colts, netted a hat-trick for the East.

The East also won the feature match between the senior players, taking a 3-0 lead on their way to a comfortable 3-1 triumph, their second in the three years of the Classic.

Tyrrell thought the event was something that could be improved on. He thanked the sponsors which included The Royal Gazette , BTC, Shell, Coca Cola, Knights Lights Electrical and Lambert and Lambert Rentals, for their support.

"I was talking to players and fans who did come and they definitely think it is a good thing,'' said Tyrrell. "The football was pretty attractive and that wasn't just noticed by the BFA people but other fans who were glad they came up to see it.

"It highlights the best of the best and it can only go from strength to strength. Players are starting to see it as a part of the calendar and something they look forward to playing.'' Added Tyrrell: "We're always taking advice from the players and fans because they are the ones who are either playing or paying to come and watch.'' However, the "fastest man in football'' competition almost didn't take place as only six players took up the challenge. It was Galvin Butterfield of Devonshire Cougars who won the $500 travel voucher, just pipping college student Khari Sharrieff of Wolves for first place.

"At one point I was concerned that it wouldn't come off at all. We actually had 13 individuals commit themselves to it last January,'' said Tyrrell. "And then when we picked a new date there were legitimate injuries or they just weren't interested at this time. Daniel Reece has been out of football for a couple of months, Taurianno Trott of Wolves is injured and with Carlos Smith it's touch and go with his hamstring and he would rather concentrate on his football.'' Tyrrell admitted it was maybe time to bring the games to a more central venue, though the ground they chose would have to have lights and be able to offer VIP seating for representatives from the sponsors.

"We also need a facility that can handle three games,'' said Tyrrell. "The facility that has all of that is Devonshire Rec., so don't be surprised if it is moved next year.

"We're very happy with Somerset, it's been there for the three years. But there is a cry to move it and share the wealth and we're listening to that.''