FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION P O Box HM 745 Hamilton HM CX Tel: 441-295-2199 Fax: 441-295-0773 E-Mail: [email protected]

Bermuda Football Association unveils the new league structure Hamilton, Bermuda – 7.16.2009

The Bermuda Football Association is announcing sweeping changes to the football league structure and cup competitions for the coming 2009/2010 season. Specifically two new leagues have been implemented to provide playing opportunities for the targeted players in these two divisions:

The Player Development League or PDL has been structured to continue the playing aspirations of those players between the ages of 17 – 23 years. A total of ten teams have committed to participate in this League for the upcoming season. Those teams are: Southampton Rangers F.C., Pembroke Hamilton Club, North Village C.C., Devonshire Recreation Club, ST. Georges C.C., Wolves, Somerset C.C., ST. David’s C.C., F.C. Bascome, X’Roads, and Boulevard C.C.

Taking into account the social dynamics that impact upon the lives of Bermuda youth in this age category, the BFA sees this League as fundamentally important in the goal of retaining and increasing the number of football participants across the entire spectrum of . Historically, those players who are no longer eligible to play at the U17 or U18 age category and who may not be ready or capable of participating in their clubs 1st or senior team, tend to drop out of football and in some incidents involve themselves in inappropriate behavior.

What the Association sets out to do is put into place a larger net. Combined with the continued development of our club programs will inspire players to remain competitive with football for a longer period of time, while at the same time retain their focus on living a positive life through playing football. The Player Developmental League will also allow up to 3 over-aged players to participate in any given match.

The Masters League, which will comprise players over the age of 30 years, has attracted fourteen (14) teams. These are: Dandy Town Sports Club, North Village Rams, Somerset Extros, Pembroke Hamilton Club Raiders, ST. George’s All- Stars Football Club, Hamilton

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BERMUDA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION P O Box HM 745 Hamilton HM CX Tel: 441-295-2199 Fax: 441-295-0773 E-Mail: [email protected]

Parish Workmen’s Club, Devonshire Recreation Club, Devonshire Colts All-Stars, Football Club, Boulevard Community Football Club, X’Roads Warriors F.C. Dockyard Falcons Football Club, Wolves Pack Football Club, Southampton Rangers F. C. and Young Men’s Social Club.

In addition to extending the playing career for those players past their prime or for those players who no longer have the flexibility to compete at the higher levels of football, the Masters League will also provide the opportunity for these players to (1) remain connected with their respective clubs and (2) give the younger aged (youth) players the chance to see and or talk with those many role models that once graced the playing field. Additionally, the Executive Council via the decision of the Congress has considered two new applicant teams that will increase the number of teams in the First Division from 9 to 11. The Association can officially report that the Executive Council will recommend to the Congress during a special meeting called for this month to consider the acceptance of the two applicant teams.

LEAGUES AND CUP COMPETITIONS

As a result of the new League structures, the Association will revise the following Cup Competitions to take effect at the start of the upcoming 2009/ 2010 football season:

FA Cup Competition

For all matches played up to and including the quarter-finals: If the score is tied at the end of regulation time there will be no extra time. There will be an automatic replay. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time during the replay then a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the score remains tied at the end of extra time then the match will be decided by kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner.

For the Semi-Finals and Final matches: There will be no replay. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time then a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the score remains

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BERMUDA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION P O Box HM 745 Hamilton HM CX Tel: 441-295-2199 Fax: 441-295-0773 E-Mail: [email protected] tied at the end of extra time then the match will be decided by kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner.

Other Cup Competitions: All other cup competitions will be played on a knockout basis with the exception of the Dudley Eve. This will be played as per the rules of the old Martonmere Cup. There will be no replays. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time then a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the score remains tied at the end of extra time then the match will be decided by kicks from the penalty mark to determine the winner.

CUP COMPETITION PARTICIPATION

Premier Division: All Premier Division Teams have the right to contest the following competitions: League, Charity Cup (League and FA Cup Champions), Dudley Eve, Friendship Trophy, FA Cup

First Division: All First Division Teams have the right to contest the following competitions: League, Shield and FA Cup

Player Development League (PDL): All PDL Teams have the right to contest the following competitions: League, Martonmere Cup.

Women's competition: For the upcoming 2009/10 season, we are happy to report that one additional team, namely Young Men’s Social Club has committed to participating in the Women’s Division. This will take the league to six (6) teams comprising: DRC Lady Cougars, Dandy Stars, North Village Lady Rams, Somerset Hurricanes, Prospect Lady Panthers and YMSC Lady Bluebirds. The Women’s teams will compete for the League, Charity Cup (League and FA Cup Champions), BFA (sponsored) Cup, FA Cup.

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BERMUDA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION P O Box HM 745 Hamilton HM CX Tel: 441-295-2199 Fax: 441-295-0773 E-Mail: [email protected]

Christmas Period (end of 1st half of the season): The Association aims to re-establish an international match program. More details to follow in due course.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP 2010

The Association reconfirms its commitment to support Devonshire Cougars participation as Premier Division league champions in the 2010 CONCACAF Champions Cup Championships. Further details of the tournament and Devonshire Cougars participation will be distributed in due time.

“The BFA is confident that the changes envisioned will deliver a great football product to the community in Bermuda,” said David Saber, BFA General Secretary “All these new developments are in line with the BFA’s 5-year Strategic Plan and are critical in enhancing the competitiveness of football in Bermuda.”

About the Bermuda Football Association

The Bermuda Football Association is the official football organization in Bermuda. Established in 1970 by the Bermuda Football Act, the BFA administers the competitive leagues, competitions and the national men’s team. The BFA also runs several programmes targeted at developing the game right from the grassroots up to the national level. The BFA is a member of FIFA, CONCACAF and CFU and abides by their rules and regulations. The Association is affiliated with the football clubs in Bermuda and is keen on reversing the decline in the standards of the game. …

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