The local media should align themselves as more of a partner to soccer rather than antagonists of the sport, according to Bermuda Football Association general secretary David Sabir.

Speaking on a wide range of issues, Sabir, while conceding that the broadcast and print media must report that which they see happening, said he believed the Press should diligently seek the positives contained in a story, just as they do the negative aspects.

"You are reporting what you see, but one of the things that -- again -- we must work towards is building a partnership with the local media,'' said Sabir, the top paid official of the local governing body.

"In the context that we have in Bermuda, the media has to be seen in two ways: one, to report what is; and two, to support what is.

"Because, whether we like it or not, we're actually talking about either improving something that is good for Bermuda, or dismantling something that should be good for Bermuda.'' Soccer has, in recent years, come under the harsh glare of the media over issues of drugs, violence and questions regarding the competency of its leadership.

And while Sabir recognised such stories had to be written when warranted by events of the day, he was not so enamoured by the vengeance shown in the reporting as opposed to `feel good' articles.

He noted the importance of soccer in terms of it helping with the social well being of the country, and as a viable outlet for young and old alike.

Just as soccer moulds the lives of those that participate, whether it be at junior or senior level, male or female, Sabir said the media played an influential part in shaping the country's social fabric.

"In developing this partnership the community benefits from what will always -- or should always -- be seen as fair reporting, which is fine,'' he said.

"But also it should be seen to be uplifting the social feeling, the social sentiments about anything.

"I think we all recognise how important sport is, how important football is as a sport, and the relationship that we have. It is entirely up to both sides to take that further into what can be considered a partnership.

"That is the goal I think -- in terms of the social, community perspective -- that all sports need to create with the willingness of the media.

"The media are a part of the community, and play a large part in influencing the public, and do that either to the detriment of the organisation on which they're reporting, or to the benefit ...

"The one thing that comes into question is whether the media feel that football is important, not just from the aspect of reporting it, but from the aspect of helping to improve it.''