IF Bermuda Football Association's executive, installed earlier this year, appear to be keeping a relatively low profile, that might not be altogether a bad thing.

Up until this week the Larry Mussenden-led administration has probably made its most significant impression through the president's own initiative to attempt to eradicate the drug problem, long the bane of Bermuda's soccer fields.

And evidence so far suggests it's an initiative that is beginning to pay some dividends.

But the BFA have also been quietly working behind the scenes, formulating a plan on how the game should be best administered and how it can be most improved.

Similar blueprints have come and gone in the past with varying degrees of success.

But much of what second vice-president Robert Calderon said in a series of articles, which appeared in The Gazette earlier this week, sounded like perfectly good sense.

The appointment of a director of youth development rather than a technical director, the plan to bring in coaching experts from abroad to teach our own coaches, and the decision to cut back on overseas travel for international matches would all appear to be prudent choices given the present state of the game.

What Calderon and others on the new executive seem to be saying is: 'Let's start afresh'.

The game, as most pundits agree, has over the past several years suffered a decline in standards in all areas . . . playing, coaching, even refereeing.

If Bermuda is to establish itself as a soccer force within the CONCACAF region, then we need to get back to basics, ensure that the fundamentals of the game are being followed, and chart a path of improvement starting at youth level through to the senior ranks.

There is, as Calderon noted, little point in wasting money travelling to compete in Caribbean or even world championships if we're not suitably prepared.

In order to retain FIFA membership, the Island needs to compete in at least two competitions over a four-year period. Given that all countries who play in the World Cup receive a $1 million grant from the world governing body, it goes without saying that our national team should always be entered in that tournament.

Calderon also suggests the Under-17 World Cup, which again makes sense as much of the association's focus in the immediate future will be on youth development.

Other than those two competitions, Bermuda might be better served by limiting its international exposure to less expensive incoming tours, particularly with the new National Sports Centre nearing completion.

Incoming tours tend to benefit a wider range of players as matches involving visiting national or even club sides can be arranged against not only Bermuda, but also the youth national teams and our top club sides.

The hiring of a director of youth development might be the most crucial of the BFA's initiatives, given that's the area that has been ignored most by many of the clubs.

Some, of course, have impressive programmes — North Village being the most notable — but with too many it's often been hit and miss.

With someone in place to co-ordinate at national and club level, interest in youth coaching would likely increase. It's at that level where good habits and sound techniques need to be driven home.

The proposed new measures will not see local football improve overnight.

A leaner schedule, involving less cup matches, the upgrading of club facilities, and a more disciplined approach to the game, are other areas that need to be addressed.

But, judging from Calderon's comments this week, there's much to suggest that the BFA are moving in the right direction.

— ADRIAN ROBSON