WHILE wondering whether national coach Roland Butcher realises there do exist real estate agents even in Britain, whose purpose is to sell such items as a house ...

***** OF course one would be remiss if not to mention this week's big event, with the Bermuda under-17s literally taking the hearts of the country by storm in putting on an immaculate display at the junior World Cup event, which has been nothing short of spectacular.

Credit must go first to the Bermuda Football Association for their willingness to `grab the bull by its horns' in stepping forward to act as hosts, which has: one, given our youngsters the advantage of playing in front of a supportive home crowd; two, afforded the public -- not to mention an eye-weary press -- a change from the drudgery of that performed on the domestic stage.

Then there is the coach, Kenny Thompson, who has in my mind unequivocally shown that there exists on this Island individuals that can get the best out of players, that one need not be a German, English, Brazilian or Dutch transplant or to have played so many years as a pro.

Some would say that it's easier to deal with the younger players than the seniors and this is why Thompson has been able to garner near 100 percent attendance for training and the like, and that he refuses to take on the top coaching role because he knows he would not enjoy such luxury with today's senior players. And this may well be true, which, to me, further highlights the brilliance of the man.

More to the point, Thompson has successfully conveyed to the players the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions both on and off the pitch, that nothing they do is in isolation, that there exists no `I' in team.

Tonight, win or lose, the Bermuda team can hold its collective head up high in that they have represented.

***** AWARDS AWD SP LET me say that I agree totally with the concept of instituting a Bermuda Hall of Fame to recognise the great contribution made to sport by individuals, teams, whatever.

However, I disagree with it being a Bermudian Hall of Fame.

My point of reference is comments made by former soccer great and current MP Randy Horton, who stated that only Bermudians will be allowed to grace the walls of the actual Hall, while expat contributors are limited only to the historical section.

Sorry Randy, but I find it disgusting that such words came from your mouth, especially considering that the party ran on a platform of inclusion, with the only thing good about the statement being that is did show some transparency, although unfortunately very much misguided. Exclusionary! Discriminatory! Segregating! Take your pick, I believe such a policy to be all three and more.

While not alone, sport is an area of life that transcends all boundaries, and race, creed, colour, nationality, political persuasion I believe has absolutely no place in determining who is worthy and who is not. If one has made a positive, forthright contribution that has served for the betterment of any sport he or she should merit a spot ... case closed.

What would the Baseball Hall of Fame be without Juan Marichal, the great pitcher who emerged from the squalor of Laguna Verde in Dominican Republic, or Tony Perez, the Cuba-born infielder that was the offensive anchor of one of the greatest dynasties in baseball history, the Cincinnati Reds.

In basketball there are the likes of Uljana Semjonova of Russia, and Yugoslavia's Borislav Styankovic, to name but two, while hockey has some 58 members hailing from outside North America. True Football's Hall is decorated solely with Americans, but then who else plays the game at a significant level.

The point is that without such contributors each of the aforementioned Halls would be significantly diluted by the absence of players and contributors from outside the respective territories and who wants anything that is watered down.

Bermuda may well be for Bermudians, but it can also be for so much more.

PATRICK BEAN