The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has reinforced its commitment to the Island's community and youth development with a donation of 50 footballs to five charities.

Calvin Blankendal, BFA vice president and youth chairman announced yesterday on behalf of the estate of the late Jim Silcock, who donated 80 footballs to the organisation. Mr. Silcock passed away in 2002 and wanted to aid in the physical and social development of the Island's youth.

The Salvation Army, De Boys Day Out Club, Sunshine League, Brangman Home and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda each received ten footballs from the BFA.

Blankendal said the footballs will help to bolster each charity's ongoing youth development programmes, such as organised soccer matches and other sports activities.

Milton Richardson, who heads De Boys Day Out Club, said: "We often play indoor soccer and playing soccer is the boys' biggest passion.

"I also think the game of football often helps to bring families together.

"We actually just began indoor soccer and we're possibly looking to develop our own indoor team.

"The footballs will also be used for our games that we have in the Arboretum.

"There are other football programmes our organisation is looking into at the moment, such as our "Soccer in the Streets" programme.

Also present were Major Doug Lewis of the Salvation Army, who was on hand to accept the donations and said they will be allocated for his group's youth scheme and summer programme.

Kathleen Faries, of the Sunshine League, Tamy Stevens of Brangman Home, Esme Wilson of Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Lucy Monkman, of the BFA's youth division, were also present.