Larry Mussenden has urged supporters to get behind the Bermuda Hogges this season and turn BAA Field into a home fortress.The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) president believes local fans can become Hogges’ ‘12th man’ this term, and hopes to see them descend en masse on BAA Field for next week’s opening game.“I’m encouraging as many people as possible to come out in large numbers to Hogges’ home matches this season to support the team,” he said.“The coaches have told me that the turnout has been very encouraging and we’re looking forward to the season.”The upcoming Hogges season was to be used as preparation for the Under-23 Olympic qualifiers but with the BFA deciding to bypass that competition, the focus has shifted to the senior national team programme.In essence the Hogges will become the national team this summer in preparation for upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers which could be held as early as October and next year’s Digicel Cup.Mussenden said he had spoken to the Hogges players to explain the reasons behind the Olympic withdrawal.“We met with the players around ten days ago when we set our reasons for withdrawing from the Olympic qualifiers and also our plans for the way forward,” he said.“They know we are using the Hogges programme, of which the BFA is a financial supporter, to get 16 quality matches which will allow us to prepare for World Cup qualifiers and the Digicel Cup.”The BFA are continuing to financially support the Hogges, albeit at a significantly reduced sum than last season, having had their annual Government grant slashed by $250,000 in the recent Budget.Hogges take on Reading United in their first game of the Premier Development League (PDL) campaign next Friday at BFA Field. Kick-off is 7 pm.