The ISL/ Hope4Life staff would like to congratulate Logan Alexander for impressing the Baltimore Blast enough to have them offer him a contract for the next professional indoor season.

The Hope4Life programme was set up to fight drugs and violence but also give young people hope and help bring all community and sporting groups together.

Logan and many other players have been given a chance to live out their dreams of being a professional footballers, but not only do we want young people getting opportunities for soccer but all other sports and professions.

This is one of the main reasons Hope4Life is linking up with NFL, NBA, the music industry, community groups and many other programmes that our young people seek interest.

Logan's pre-season tryouts went really well, he worked very hard and most importantly his attitude along with his talent as a defender was a key factor in him being offered a contract. He will be closely watched throughout this season.

We are expecting him to continue to develop and hope that he continues to pick up the game as the season progresses. I have had many players tryout in the USA professional leagues from Bermuda and plan to have many more having a chance to spread their wings and experience the professional environment.

With eight ISL/Hope4Life players heading to outdoor teams in March, I only hope that Logan's success encourages them to believe that nothing is impossible and if they stay focused and make sacrifices they will give themselves a good chance.

As Logan is now living out his dream of being a professional and looks to gain all knowledge and experience to leave a mark behind, he knows that it is now in his hands and what he does from this point will shape his career.

With the support of the ISL/Hope4Life network we are sure that he would have a lasting career as a professional, he understands that he needs to be consistent to make the starting team.

It will be a challenge for him but we know he is up for the task. As Logan goes through the indoor season this year I'm looking for him to also be playing outdoors in the summer as 75 percent of our players play for professional outdoor teams.

This would help him make an easy transition to the game with their support.

It will mean a huge adjustment in his life and he would have to keep himself discipline with his health and fitness. Many players may now realise that they could have the hope to play professional in our own country or outside. They now just have to understand that it is more than just the talent that is needed. No matter where or who you will be trying out for, if you do not understand that it will take more than talent to make it, than you will fall short of reaching your goal.

All the players that head out of Bermuda searching for greatness must remember one thing, you have to prepare your mind for a battle and you are not the only one dreaming of being professional. There are many out there that have the same dreams and desire as you, so be ready to work even that much harder to achieve that goal.

Once again congratulations to Logan for being offered his first professional contract and it will be a pleasure having him apart of the Baltimore Blast family.

Until next time!