The prospect of professional soccer teams out of Europe and Latin America playing exhibitions here is reason for excitement.
"The scenario is great for us. There is the possibility of teams from the Premier League coming in to train, or for friendly matches. Imagine being able to observe Rooney (Wayne Mark, the brilliant forward for Manchester United) in action on Bahamian soil. This is a fantastic opportunity for soccer," said Bahamas Football Association (BFA) President Anton Sealey. Sealey also spoke to a connection to noted national teams like Brazil.
"With Copa Airlines coming on stream there will be an opportunity to get into the Latin Market and we could possibly see a team like Brazil here," added Sealey.
The names Ronaldinho, Robinho, Kaka and Fabiano jump out when one thinks Brazilian soccer. Excitement abounds. This is a good era for Bahamian football. The BFA President is convinced that the potential, if realized, will lift the interest for soccer "in The Bahamas tremendously".
"There's a whole new situation facing us now. You know we've never had a Bahamian playing world-class soccer. We have a chance now for the enthusiasm to build like never before and Bahamian youngsters throughout the land can aspire to become world-class performers in the sport," he said.
Sealey pointed out another element that can drive the national soccer program. Particularly with the ladies, when they get older and go off to college, a small percentage of them remain in the soccer system. Sealey is calling on The College of The Bahamas to up its program to a stage whereby it attracts quality players as students.
"You see if the players remain in the country, we stand a much better chance of keeping them in our program, but often when they go away, we lose them," said Sealey.
This would be quite sad in the case of the present Under-17 girls who are doing so well.
"Our Under-17 program is good and steady. We have a number of 12-year-olds and 13-year-olds, so we are good for a number of years to come but the big challenge will be to keep them around even when they reach 18 and 19. This is where The College of The Bahamas becomes very important. The more attractive COB becomes, the more the quality student-athletes will stay at home. It's a win-win situation," said Sealey.
I concur.
This is indeed a good time for soccer in The Bahamas. The climate is quite refreshing. The men and ladies national sides are poised to make significant regional inroads. Continued best wishes to Sealey and the rest of the soccer fraternity.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com).

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