This week before getting into the Island Soccer League (ISL) I want to talk to my young people, I want to encourage them to stay positive and understand the choices and decisions they make will be important in the future.

It's shameful how we ask you to grow up so quickly and then not be able give you a chance to enjoy your childhood. But do understand these are times when we as parents are asking you to pay more attention when selecting your friends and be more responsible when outside the household.

As we all know, Bermuda is not the biggest place which means you have access to almost all situations positive or negative. Please understand you will need to be patient with us as we continue to educate you and give you all the knowledge about what to expect from this day on.

We will continue to feed you with positive information but at the same time demand a greater responsibility.

As we parents move into our protection stage, understand that it's only our reaction from all this destruction to make sure you are safe.

No, we will not panic at this time, but it's our job to make sure you are aware of the dangers in front of you, so our preparation for you will be important because we don't want to be the ones saying "No, not my child".

We know we only have control over you inside the household, so once you are out it's your job to make sure you're able to handle what you are confronted with.

My young people, you will be forced to grow up quickly and face great challenges you never thought would be in front of you, you will face peer pressure, bullying, violence, abuse, some thoughtless people and some uninspiring people.

Your mind will have to be strong and focused on what you want. You may have to give up more and make more sacrifices to reach your goals.

Island Soccer League – April 14 and 15 – is the ISL player combine at the BAA field at 6 p.m.

Players hoping to get scouted by the eight ISL coaches will be asked to show up on those days. They must bring bottled water, football attire which should include black/navy shorts and white T-shirts.

The ISL combine will be an opportunity for you to show off your talent to the coaches.

The coaches who will be coaching the ISL teams for 2010 are Andrew Bascome – Storm; Troy Lewis – Titans; John Barry Nusum Arsenal; Herbie Bascome – Royal; Kieshon Smith – Knights; Marvon Belboda – Kings; Musceo Hunt – Apex; Jomar Wilkinson – Union.

Players who have any questions about the combine please contact Head of Soccer Operation Mr. Karl Roberts at 799 2393 or e-mail kroberts.isl@logic.bm.

Please note that suspended players from the Bermuda Football Association and players on the Bermuda Hogges roster will not be able to try-out, nor play in the ISL season for 2010.

Players still at high school will also not be able to take part in the ISL.

With the ISL Super Draft on April 16 at the Grotto Bay Beach resort, the combine will be your only chance to get looked at unless the coaches are aware of your talents and have already contacted you.

The combine is free and for all division players, from Premier to Corona League. Until next time!