Institute's Strong Men's Club (SMC).

Although it started out as a weight lifting club SMC has become more about the community and helping young men in the community.

"The weight lifting was the draw but it is really much more than that,'' said club captain Juan Hubband.

Public Relations Chairman Keivin Crane added: "We want to be a positive point for young men and lead them in the right direction.'' The brain child of Physical Educator Garry Rivers, the club's aim is to help build physically, mentally and spiritually strong young men.

"Being a man I see where we fall short,'' Coach Rivers said. "You can't get all men to change but with the younger ones you can start now and steer them in the right direction.'' He went on to say that he saw a need to salvage the young men of Bermuda.

"We've all heard the stories of young men fathering children and getting into trouble. We want to show another side.'' "We want to save the men of Bermuda,'' said Juan. "It seems like men in Bermuda are just falling away. We wanted to be a part of something good.'' SMC is a twist on Key Club, a role model group, that Coach Rivers was involved in while growing up in the states.

"I got a lot out of it. I didn't think that I would, but I did,'' he said.

"I want these guys to live up to their potential.'' The club already has 20 committed members and plans to get other chapters going in other schools.

"We have had a great response from other students,'' said Juan. "They wanted to get into something interesting. They were bored and wanted to do something.

"Eventually we want six chapters,'' said Coach Rivers. "Cedarbridge Academy is very open to the idea, but we want to get our group up and running first.'' To help get them started they are asking the community to help them find a project that they can become involved in.

"We need the support of the community'' Co-Captain Alfred Russell said. "We need their help if we are going to this off the ground.'' Community service is a major part of what Coach rivers is trying to teach these boys.

"We are looking for a special project to get involved in and are hoping that businesses will help us to find a project that we can help them with,'' said Coach Rivers.

"Through helping the community we want to show a new side to the men of Bermuda in the new Millennium,'' said Keivin.

SMC is looking for 20 to 25 mentors, men to come in and talk to the boys.

"We're looking for men from all walks of life to come and share their experiences. And what they have done to get where they are with the kids,'' said Coach Rivers.

He went on to say that they plan to visit a church once a month to help the boys develop a sense of spirituality.

SMC may have only started, but has already decided to end of the year with an SMC Ball.

It will be a night dedicated to celebrating and thanking mothers. "They are the ones that hold things together for everyone, said Coach Rivers. "They are the glue in most families.

"In my 20 years of teaching I've come to know that when you get good people together, for a good cause, then only good things can come out of it. Even if they don't meet their goal.''