It takes an entire village to raise a child and every group in Bermuda has a significant part to play in the development of our young people, this according to Bermuda Football Association (BFA) youth director and national team coach Kenny Thompson.

Thompson was speaking in reference to the BFA?s recent decision to scrap the remainder of the Appleby Spurling and Kempe under 17 league season.

In recent years, battles have been waged behind the scenes involving youths from the Pembroke, Warwick, St.George?s and Somerset areas ? a rivalry which has now spilled on to the football pitch.

And it?s understood that, fearing reprisals for off-the-field incidents - most of which go unreported - several players representing clubs in these parishes have failed to turn up for away matches where they risked becoming involved in gang-related battles.

BFA officials agreed that there was no other alternative but to cancel the remainder of the season for fear of further outbreaks of violence.

?It is most unfortunate. This would have been unheard of in youth football when I was coming up but times have changed and we must try to find solutions to these problems.,? said Thompson.

?Every group has a stake in the development of our young people and every group has its bit to do. We at the BFA work very hard to do our part as we understand the challenges and we endeavour to promote the positives.?.

Though the association have yet to conjure a counter-measure to the problem, the matter will be further addressed in subsequent discussions involving respective youth coaches and the BFA.

?We have held discussions with club coaches and there have been some recommendations and ideas on how to promote the under 17 league. We have taken some of those ideas and look to implement as many as possible once we come to some sort of collective agreement,? said Thompson.

?It is very important that we look to protect football and protect football?s interest and the interests of all the stake holders in football and it is important we endeavour to create a safe environment for all those participating in football whether players, spectators or officials and the youth committee (BFA) in collaboration with under 17 club coaches are trying to find resolution.?

One such measure could see those deemed as troublemakers singled out and handed out some form of disciplinary action.

?Players that are found to be exhibiting negative behaviour will face consequences and it is important that the players and spectators ultimately have the responsibility to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner,? added Thompson

?We have to look at our options in terms of consequences for those individuals who do exhibit negative behaviour on a case-by-case basis. But at this time it is very difficult for us to say because really it (violence) has nothing to do with football . . . it is a community problem.

?So we have to tackle it as a community problem and certainly we at the BFA look to promote the interest of football and do our part. Not only for football?s sake but also society?s.?