coaches will take advantage of a course to be conducted here next week by a top American coach.

Best has managed to secure the services of Tom Fleck, who has vast experience in coaching at youth level. He is being brought in to run a course specifically designed to assist coaches in their dealings with younger players.

The courses will be held at Bermuda College from September 10-14 with further details expected to be released by the BFA within the next few days.

"We have a wonderful opportunity for all soccer coaches to come out and get certified by taking the USSF Certified Youth Coaching Course which is something that they are now doing in the United States,'' said Best.

"Instead of having the normal FIFA B and C licences, they are going straight to this youth course, and we have the opportunity to bring in somebody uniquely qualified to put the course on for us.'' Fleck is affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation and has been long recognised for his role in travelling around the country and holding such courses, specifically offering techniques on how to get messages through to young players.

Best met Fleck through Bobby Howe, a former team-mate at West Ham who is now the director of coaching of youth development in the United States.

"I feel that it is important for those people interested in teaching the youths to come out and get first hand information on methods of teaching younger children. There is a difference to coaching grown-ups,'' said Best.

"It should be noted that Fleck has been selected by the USSF to present a similar programme to the English FA. I think it's great for us to be one of the first countries outside the US to have him come and put on a course.

"All coaches of youth teams, even those who have FIFA badges, should come out and become involved as this gives them an opportunity to gain experience at another level.

"I think it's important in Bermuda, because we are so close to the US, it's paramount for us to start paying attention to what the US is doing because they are becoming very successful.

"Remember their programme was so much like ours years ago, and when you look at it and see the way it has gone, there's no denying it has taken off.

"And when you look and see what their youth teams are doing on a world basis, see how they are qualifying for junior world cups, I think we need to start paying attention.'' Clyde Best: `wonderful opportunity' for local coaches.