among a group of prominent athletes recognised last week for helping to break down colour barriers in England.

Bermuda's soccer technical director was awarded a certificate by England's soccer union, the Professional Footballers' Association, for being a black pioneer in sport.

Best, who travelled to the event in Birmingham with his wife Freda, was one of the first black players to make his name in football in England as a striker with West Ham in the 1960s and 70s.

"It was a wonderful event with over 350 people attending, including a number of players I played with and against and a lot of current players,'' said Best on his return.

"It was interesting to discover how so many people were appreciative for what I and others did to open the doors for others to follow. You never know the influence you are having on people when you are a player.

"But I can't say whether this impression is justified -- that's up to the people who were organising the event. One thing I will say is that all of the current players seemed to feel that we made some impact on the modern day game. Their thinking seemed to be that what we achieved made it easier for them.'' Best was a regular in the West Ham United team from 1969 to 1976 and had the distinction of playing under coach Ron Greenwood, later England's manager, and alongside then England skipper Bobby Moore. To date no Bermudian has come close to equalling his accomplishments.

"As a teenager it wasn't difficult for me in England because I was always brought up to treat people the way you wanted yourself to be treated,'' he said. "And the fact that I got along well with the white lady I stayed with made it easy. I didn't let any racial problems distract me when I was playing.'' Among the 26 others honoured at the Birmingham gathering were former West Bromwich Albion and Coventry striker Cyrille Regis, Liverpool's Michael Thomas, ex-Aston Villa and Liverpool winger Mark Walters, former Tottenham forward Garth Crooks and ex-Chelsea defender Paul Elliott.

Meanwhile, Best returned home at the weekend with the future of Bermuda's football uppermost in his mind. The under-17s and under-20s have international competition ahead of them this summer.

The under-17s will be involved in an International Youth Tournament to be held on the Island on July 19 and will also play in the World Cup youth qualifying round against the Cayman Islands later that month or early in August. Then the under-20s will be involved in another international tournament scheduled for Jamaica.

CLYDE BEST -- recognised for breaking down colour barriers during his days with West Ham.