One of Bermuda's longest-serving football administrators has stepped down after some 30 years in office.

Saltus schoolteacher Jon Beard, who has been a member of Bermuda Football Association's executive committee since the 1970s, announced his decision at the BFA's annual congress on Thursday night when he was warmly applauded for his services to the sport.

Largely involved in the coaching and youth side of the game, Beard had been chairman of the Youth Committee and the Coaching Committee, while also working with a number of ad hoc committees.

He travelled with the national team as manager to the World Cup qualifier in Montserrat and as coach of the Under-16 team, which included the likes of future national team players Khano Smith, John Barry Nusum and Damon Ming, who toured Northern Ireland and England – a trip on which the Bermuda youngsters suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat to Everton's youth team.

Explaining his decision to step down, Beard, director of the senior year at Saltus, said he could no longer devote the time required to carry out his duties with the BFA.

"I support everything (President) Richard Calderon is trying to achieve and I believe the BFA is better staffed now to carry out the various programmes it has put in place.

"I also think it's probably time for some new blood."

Remaining chairman of Bermuda's Island Games committee and chairman of the Council of Drug Free Sport, Beard noted he was also heavily committed to his school work.

With Bermuda scheduled to host the Island Games in 2013, his work will also increase in that area as the Island continues its preparation for what will be the largest sporting event the country has ever hosted.