United States in a bid to prepare them for overseas competition.

The Island's Football Association is in discussion with two teams from the US `A' League -- a rung down from Major League Soccer -- with a view to them playing here.

Although talks are at an early stage, BFA coaching committee chairman, Jon Beard, is hopeful both the Nashville Metros and the Richmond Kickers will be able to provide much needed opposition for the national side.

Bermuda has not played a match since being eliminated from the World Cup qualifying campaign last year.

But they are just a matter of weeks away from taking part in the Copa Carib tournament.

Not only have the players not had a get-together since the World Cup campaign came to an end, a national coach has not been appointed.

Although applications are being studied for national coaching posts, announcements on who will fill the jobs have not been made.

In an interview with The Royal Gazette last month, Beard expressed the BFA's desire to boost the number of games the national side play and the talks with the two US teams represent a positive step in this direction.

Beard, who has been personally involved with the discussions, said: "We are trying to find a mutually agreeable date and finance package. They (Richmond) seem to be ideal opponents if we can find the financing. It may also open up opportunities for some of our players.'' He said as well as bringing their senior team, the Metros were interested in playing matches at youth level.

However, Beard stressed: "I must emphasise that we are still in the discussion stage, further progress will depend, rather obviously, on ensuring we can reach a suitable financial package.

"We are hopeful we can do this and so can develop the national programme into a strong, exciting programe that the players want to be involved in, the public want to watch and businesses want to sponsor.'' Billy Hallock, general manager of the Kickers, said he was very keen to accept the BFA's invitation.

"Jon contacted us about the possibility of playing a couple of friendlies with the Bermuda side and certainly that's of great interest to us during the pre-season,'' said Hallock.

Continued on page 27 BFA plans US friendlies Continued from page 25 "We have a relatively brief pre-season and for us to able to get competitive matches like that from a fitness and preparation standpoint would be invaluable,'' added Hallock.

Pre-season begins around the end of March beginning of April for the Kickers and Hallock did not rule out being able to agree something for this year.

"If we could get it done for this year it would be great,'' he said. "We have had some very good preliminary conversations. Obviously there are details to be ironed out but if they can be we would try to go forward with something this year.'' Hallock said such a tie-up between the two bodies would provide benefits to both.

"I think it would be excellent. From our standpoint it would be a great opportunity to get very competitive matches as well as allowing us to get out of the country and have some pre-season bonding,'' he said.

Hallock said the club would also use the matches to look out for potential new signings.

"With Major League Soccer and 21 `A' League teams you are looking at 32 or so teams in the United States which begins to dilute the talent pool a little bit,'' he said.

"We are always looking for different avenues to get players and that would be a great opportunity to meet some young players down there.'' The Richmond Kickers are one of the top teams in the `A' League and were formed in 1993. They were voted Franchise of the Year in 2000. For more information on the two sides go to www.richmondkickers.com or www.nashvillemetros.com.