Andrew Bascome has stepped down as a national academy coach because it clashed with his other coaching commitments, Bermuda Football Association (BFA) president Richard Calderon confirmed yesterday.

Bascome, who was hired as a national academy coach in November, had been due to assist the BFA backroom team in preparing Bermuda's players for next week's Clyde Best Invitational Tournament.

According to Calderon, Bascome was "extremely apologetic" for leaving his post on the eve of the tournament and would be very interested in reprising his part-time role at the end of the domestic season.

"I can tell you Andrew was truly excited with the prospect of finally representing his country in this capacity and as he put it, that excitement clouded his judgment and he enthusiastically accepted our invitation," Calderon told The Royal Gazette.

"Andrew was extremely apologetic for pulling out. We accepted his reasons as genuine and valid.

"In quick time he came to realise that based on his already time consuming schedule, providing another team with his undivided attention was not going to be a walk in the park.

"Andrew has stated that he remains very interested in working at this level once the domestic season has ended. If the opportunity arises for him to be reconsidered, he would gladly accept.

"I am not disappointed by his decision as I know first hand the amount of time required of me in my role and as such I respect his decision and offer my continued support."

Bascome yesterday admitted he had experienced difficulties juggling his coaching responsibilities at First Division Robin Hood and Saltus Grammar School with his national academy post.

"What was happening was the (training) times were conflicting with my responsibilities at Saltus, so I will not be able to take over until April," he said.

"I was trying to juggle the times but academy training was at 6 p.m., and I do not finish at Saltus until 5.45 p.m., so Devarr (Boyles) was doing my job until I got there . . . I was having trouble in getting from point A to point B.

"I am under contract with Saltus because I am coaching their under-12s and I am also on contract with Robin Hood."

Earlier this season Bascome walked away from his coaching role at Premier Division team Boulevard because of a row over training attendances.

He has not ruled out a return to the club if the players could prove to him they were more committed.