More than 500 youngsters are expected to be involved in the Shell Youth League this winter, with a revised date for the season kick-off set for Saturday, October 22.

This was confirmed yesterday by League Secretary Jon Beard who said a delay in the start was due to administrative problems.

"The problem is not the organisation of the Bermuda Football Association, it's the organisation of the clubs who simply have taken longer than expected to fill out and return their registration forms. I spoke to some club officials on the weekend and they have indicated that steps will be taken to have the forms returned to the offices of the BFA as soon as possible,'' said Beard.

The news of the revised starting date is reported to have pleased sponsors Shell, who Beard said has had a good working relationship with the BFA as far as the youth league is concerned.

"It's been a good relationship with Shell, we are getting their name out in the community and they obviously continue to be a great benefit to soccer.

Surely the large number of youngsters coming along in the various programmes are the ones to gain from Shell's sponsorship,'' said Beard.

While no figures could be obtained of Shell's total investment to the programme it is understood that their undertaking will include the payment for referees and advertising.

Beard said that everybody is enthusiastic about the kick-off and many teams have already been busy getting ready for the new campaign.

There will be no Premier Division this season for players over 16, but Beard expects to operate with about 20 teams in the Mini Minors, 13 Minors and nine Bantams.

The fact that there is no Premier Division is no great loss because many of the players who would have been involved have been promoted to the Alliance Division.