Centre despite the fact a groundsman has yet to take up his post at the facility.

At present there is no-one at the venue on Frog Lane to put up goalposts or mark out the pitch. Instead outside help has been used when necessary. Centre manager Clifford Wade would not comment on the situation, however, it is believed there will be someone to fill the post by the time the Island stages the next round of the Under-17 World Cup qualifiers next month.

The situation came to light when Jon Beard, chairman of the Bermuda Football Association's coaching committee, attempted to hire the venue for the Middle School soccer finals.

"I tried to get the National Stadium and I know that one of the problems that they have got there is that they haven't got a groundsman to be able to mark the field,'' he said.

"I said `can we use the stadium' and Clifford (Wade) said `I'm sorry we haven't got a groundsman'.'' Continued on page 25 Groundsman problem Continued from page 23 Beard continued: "He was very apologetic and he wanted to help. He says he will have one on board in the near future.

"I sympathise there is a problem but it's a bit difficult in this day and age when you would like to use the National Stadium and they say they can't mark it.

"So you end up having to play the schools' cup final on BAA which therefore stops it being an important game for the kids because they can play there every week.

"For those that have been a part of it, it would have been like `wow, we've got a chance to play on the carpet'.'' When asked about the matter, Wade said: "I really have nothing to say, I really don't think it's a situation that warrants or needs an article in the paper.'' However, The Royal Gazette understands the situation came about when the former groundsman left the post.

It is believed that someone has since been hired but has yet to take up the role.

Bermuda plays host to Jamaica, the Netherlands Antilles and the Bahamas in the Under-17 tournament in February.

The winner of that qualifying round goes through to the next phase to be held in the United States, and featuring the likes of the host nation, Canada and representatives from South America.