The Island Soccer League (ISL) is just around the corner and the coaches are getting ready to prepare their players for a great battle ahead.

The teams started their training this week at BAA Field.

All the teams will be training at BAA as it is now the official training ground for the ISL.

Fans will get a chance to check out which team they want to support by dropping in on a training session and seeing the talent.

Each coach drafted their players for this season last week but have until May 10 to post their final roster.

This will give coaches time to release players who they don't think will be suitable or if players are not abiding by their rules and guidelines.

Players who did not get drafted should contact the ISL coaches and see if spots are still open. You never know how things work out because some players may not be able to fully commit and that could open the door up for someone else.

The first matches of the season will be held on May 2.

It's a night that will not be forgotten by some of the players from the Union, who will be receive their championship ring after winning the ISL title last season.

They did a great job, going through half of the season without a coach and showed great character and discipline as they marched on to win their final match.

The Union were the third team to win a championship trophy and will not be the last.

They will be looking to start their title defence when they open up at the National Sports Centre against the Kings, a team who won the first ever ISL championship in 2007.

The second game of the night will see the Arsenal, coached by former professional John Barry Nusum, take on the Royal who have a strong team with the likes of Jemeiko Jennings and Kofi Dill.

As the players, coaches and staff prepare for opening night we want to encourage you to stop by and watch the teams in training at BAA and bring your little people and show them that there is some hope in playing professionally in our own country.

Tell them this is their league and one day they will be running out on the field.

This league will only survive with your support and pride behind it, and if other countries can have professional sports why can't we? We have the talent, we have the love and we have the passion and this is the first step to building something we could be proud of.

Until next time!