received a welcome boost in the form of a $10,000 donation from the law firm Kempe & Whittle.

Kempe & Whittle thus become chief sponsors of the gala ceremony set for April 16 at Sonesta Beach Hotel to honour the Island's soccer players in four major categories: Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Young Player, Coach of the Year and Most Disciplined Team.

Expenses for the event, which will feature various local entertainers and a live band, are expected to be in the $15,000 to $20,000 range and the donation will be used to help offset these costs.

The balance is expected to be made up through the sale of patron and regular admission tickets.

NFAC secretary Keith Steede expressed thanks for the generous gift, saying: "Kempe & Whittle had the vision to get involved in an organisation that is showing role models to Bermuda. They saw us as such an organisation and showed their support in the form of a cheque for $10,000.'' Steede makes up a third of the NFAC troika also containing president Mark Wade and Troy Symonds in charge of marketing.

Previously the awards -- MVP and Youth Player -- were presented by the Ex-Artillerymen's Association, but since the latter's withdrawal there has been a period where no awards were given.

David Bascome was the last winner of the old award for the 1990-91 season, but this year's event will utilise a slightly different format for selection.

Last night's soccer matches scheduled for Devonshire Rec., involving Devonshire Cougars against Hamilton Parish and a Shell Youth League Premier Division game pitting Somerset and PHC were postponed.

See picture on page 32.