participating in this month's Shell/Umbro Cup preliminary round in Jamaica.

As the BFA feverishly make plans for the kick-off to the tournament against Puerto Rico at Kingston's 25,000-seat National Stadium, their only concern is allocating the squad's airfare to and from Jamaica.

This means that the national side's re-entry into international competition following a four-year absence will likely cost around $10,000 for a squad of 20 including team officials.

"It will be one of our least costly ventures. It's difficult to see how other major tournaments we intend to be involved in will cost this little,'' said BFA president Neville Tyrrell.

All other costs related to the top Caribbean tournament will be the responsibility of host country Jamaica, including accommodation, transportation and food.

But Tyrrell concedes that Bermuda would have faced similar problems experienced by the Cayman Islands, who bowed out of the competition because of financial constraints.

They were scheduled to be host for the preliminary round but after considering all of their options decided to not only vote against holding it in their country, but to pull their team out entirely -- at least for this year.

Officials say it will be a rare occasion that Bermuda will not be forced to pay out large amounts of cash in order that the many national teams they intend to assemble can compete abroad in future international tournaments.

Tyrrell said this week that the BFA's intention was to form six squads, including the first-ever female side, to compete in international tournaments.

While plans remain in the initial stages it's possible the BFA will have the following national teams in training together in the near future: Men, under-19s, under-17s, under-15s, under-12s and women.

"That's our plan. We believe in development and we strongly believe that a senior national team in particular is the pinnacle for our youngsters to aim for and to keep them involved at various lower levels is imperative,'' said Tyrrell.

"One other reason to assemble various national squads is because FIFA have international tournaments for the various divisions and it's possible that all of our teams could become more involved internationally once finances are found for these programmes.'' The BFA have been taking a long-term approach to their programme in recent weeks and are seeking financial support from the business sector.

A major fund-raising endeavour kicks off on Monday, when more than 30 prospective sponsors are expected to attend a gathering at Government house from 6-8 p.m., when plans for a six-year international programme will be unveiled.