20 years, was one of two local sports figures honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list yesterday.

Rebello was awarded the Queen's certificate and Badge of Honour for his services to football in Bermuda.

The same award went to Fritz Reiter, the driving force behind the Lobster Pot Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

Rebello stood down as coach, a position he had held for seven years, shortly after helping the side lift the Coca Cola First Division title, the FA Cup, and the Friendship Trophy this season. The last team to take the coveted treble was North Village in 1977-8.

For good measure, Vasco also picked up the Dudley Eve championship and were beaten finalists in the only other Island competition, the Martonmere Cup.

Rebello was also in charge for Vasco's first league title victory in 1996, which followed hot on the heels of FA Cup triumphs in 1994 and 1995.

Contacted yesterday in the treasury department of the Bank of Bermuda, where he works, Rebello said he was first told he was being recommended for the award about a month ago.

"I was told not to get too excited about it as it still had to go through a number of channels.

"I think a lot of people have done a lot more than I have. I don't know if I really deserve it but it's nice to be recognised.'' "It's been a great year,'' added the former Saltus student, the youngest coach to win the league and FA Cup. "From no one taking notice, all of a sudden you're being recognised across the board.'' Businessman Reiter, meanwhile, has organised the Lobster Pot golf tournament for 16 years. It regularly brings in more than 300 guests from overseas, with the proceeds going towards charitable organisations and individuals in need.

German-born Reiter, who became a Bermudian in 1978, has also been a strong supporter of powerboat racing on the Island, sponsoring a number of events.

SOCCER SOC