to turn out in force next week to support "the future of Bermuda football''.

The Island's under-17 team will take on Jamaica, Barbados and the Netherland Antilles in a Youth World Cup qualifying tournament starting next Monday.

Sabir estimated the cost of staging the tournament as being close to a six-figure sum and said fans' support was essential for the three double-headers at the National Sports Centre on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week.

"This is the future,'' said Sabir yesterday. "This is the difference between football today and football tomorrow. All those who advocate improving the game need to come out and give us some encouragement.

"Not rain, nor wind, nor hail, nor cold should keep us away from the National Stadium next week.

"This team has a real good shot at making the final tournament of the World Cup -- and that would be significant. We need hope and we need to give this team 110 percent right now.

"This is not about the Bermuda Football Association. This is about a group of talented young players who have dedicated the last two or three years to training in a drug-free environment.

"The dedication and commitment of these boys and their parents needs to be appreciated. That deserves accolades in itself. They have said no to drugs and have chosen to represent Bermuda under the rules of international football.

This is what Bermuda has asked of these young men. We can't put these demands on them and then not go out and support them.

"The National Stadium should be packed for three nights if we're serious about supporting our youth.'' The event was originally scheduled for January in Barbados but after the Caribbean island pulled out, all participants were informed by the Caribbean Football Union that if a new host was not found, the matches would be played on a home-and-away basis. That would have meant us travelling to three different locations and hosting three different teams,'' said Sabir, "so we would have had financial obligations for six different matches.

"We were of the opinion that it was in our best interests to control when these matches were played so they were not a time when they could interfere with the academic schedules of our players.

"When we assessed the benefit of hosting the tournament, there was no question it would be financially cheaper.

"But the biggest advantage is that this team gets the chance to play in Bermuda. For most tournaments, they have to go off the Island and so it's a real treat and a pleasure when we have football at the highest level showcased here in Bermuda.'' As hosts, the BFA are obliged to provide accommodation and transport around the Island to the visiting teams. The Stonington Beach Hotel and the Hamilton Princess have helped by offering discounted room rates.

In addition, the BFA will have to bring in a match referee and an assistant referee to work alongside local match officials.

Then there is the match commissioner, required by FIFA to see that the tournament runs smoothly and fairly. But costs have been cut by hiring a local, Dr. Gerard Bean, who has many years of experience in the role.

Sabir pleads for support From Page 19 The ACE Group, the Bank of Bermuda and Shell have all helped out with financial backing for Kenny Thompson's team.

"Excluding match expenses, we're looking at between $85,000 and $95,000 to host the four teams,'' said Sabir.

"It's a lot of money, but not a lot in the scheme of things. We should look at it as an investment in our youth.

"Hosting this event relies on good fan support and certainly, whatever we get through the turnstiles will go towards meeting the deficit.

"The expectations on this team could be lower because of past performances in the eyes of the spectating public. That should not be a measure by which this team is judged.

"There are opinions on both sides of the coin about this team's previous performances, but the real test comes now and as such, they need their greatest support ever.'' Bermuda will play Barbados on February 12, the Netherlands Antilles on February 14 and Jamaica on February 16, with the group winners going on to the next qualifying phase in the US. Admission will cost $10 for adults and $3 for children.