supporters who attended a lunchtime pep rally organised by the Bank of Bermuda at Albuoy's Point.

School children waved flags and white- and blue-collar workers clapped and cheered for the players, who jet out today for their Sunday clash with El Salvador.

MPs praised the team for "unifying'' Bermuda, while Bank president Mr. Donald Lines handed them a $60,000 cheque to go towards their World Cup endeavours.

When Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan announced Government was backing the team's efforts to the tune of $80,000, several people in the crowd yelled above the applause, "It's about time!''.

"We'll qualify because Bermuda almost beat Jamaica,'' Victor Scott School pupil Denise Place, 8, stated. Fellow pupil Edmund Johnson, 9, was equally confident: "They'll win -- their skills are very good.'' The players and their trainers, looking smart in navy blazers and grey slacks, wowed the crowd even more when they walked proudly across the portable stage.

"The national team has made all of Bermuda proud. This is our opportunity to repay them,'' said Mr. Lines.

He noted facing El Salvador on their turf must be a daunting thought for the players.

Mr. Lines said the team should be commended for being "excellent'' ambassadors for Bermuda's youngsters, bringing the Island together and getting work started again on the National Stadium.

BFA president Mr. Charlie Marshall noted it was the first time corporate Bermuda had rallied to support sports.

"We look forward to even more corporate support because we believe sports can be used to save our young people,'' Mr. Marshall said.

PLP Leader Mr. Frederick Wade saluted the Bank of Bermuda for being "a good corporate citizen by turning over some of its $20 million profits to a good cause''.

And both he and the Premier agreed the team had done more than all politicians put together to unite the country.

Sir. John said he was "fascinated at how many people from all walks of life'' he saw at Sunday's Jamaica game at the National Stadium. "That told me Bermuda was on the march,'' he said.

In announcing Government was pledging $80,000 towards the team's effort, he reminded Bermudians it was their money.

The team departs today for a tough three-game away series against El Salvador, Jamaica and then Canada.

Miss Rodericka Greaves, at the rally on her lunch hour, believed Bermuda would "most definitely'' qualify for the World Cup. "I don't doubt my team,'' she said.

She pointed out how well they had already done considering they have full time jobs as well as training. "Most of the guys on the other teams do nothing but train,'' she pointed out.

Mr. Louis DeMelo, at the rally on his day off, said, "If we get a couple of draws and defeat Canada in Bermuda I think Bermuda will get through.'' "I feel we'll get in or be runners up.'' said North Village Community Club soccer player Mr. Sean Dill. "We got a lot of early points and we have not lost yet on our own ground.'' He added: "I think the fact they are taking the whole month off for training is a great idea.'' Afterward, residents rushed to line up to meet and greet the players and get their autographs.

FOOTBALL HERO Mr. Shawn Goater gets bombarded by autograph seekers at yesterday's pep rally at Albuoy's Point.