play at least six international friendly matches between now and the end of the year.

The news, revealed by Bermuda Football Association yesterday, will be welcomed by coach Clyde Best and his players, who on Tuesday will formally resume training for the first time since returning from the Shell/Umbro Cup in Jamaica four weeks ago.

"It will continue to be an exciting year for us, especially after launching our six-year international plan at Government House recently,'' said BFA General Secretary David Sabir.

"It was then that we indicated our attempt to play at least six international games a year leading up to the qualifying rounds of the World Cup in the year 2002, and we are moving in that direction with diligence and enthusiasm.

"The BFA have sent out invitations to countries within the Caribbean and CONCACAF region, in particular invitations to Canada, United States, Jamaica and Mexico, all of whom are in the North and Caribbean zone of CONCACAF, asking them to play against our national team.

"As you know all of these teams mentioned are in the final round of World Cup qualifying for 1998 and we are hoping they will use Bermuda for practice games. It will also give our players the opportunity to get some experience against formidable opponents.'' Without being specific, Sabir said that the responses had been positive so far and that the BFA were optimistic that matches would be confirmed in the near future.

However, the possible closure of National Stadium due to track repairs could hinder plans to have matches staged at home and it's more than likely that Best and his players will have to travel abroad.

"We do realise that in the short term National Stadium may not be available, but this will not derail our attempts to keep the activity alive for our national team although it will mean travelling,'' added Sabir.

Earlier this year the BFA assured players assembled for the Shell/Umbro tournament that further internationals would be organised to help keep the squad together.

CONCACAF have been advised of the BFA's six-year plan and were reportedly encouraged by their commitment to have various squads at different age divisions involved in international competition.

"CONCACAF's president Jack Warner and many other top officials of soccer federations in that region are aware of our plans and they have responded positively,'' said Sabir. "It's long been our intention to try and get more activity for our team. Having had some good performances against Jamaica in the Shell/Umbro Cup, we want to build on that. In order for us to be competitive we need to play teams who are more drilled and better prepared than we are.''