Youth is set to clash with experience on Monday night at BAA Field (7.00 p.m.) when Bermuda's Under-18 national squad face off against a who's who of former greats.

The match has been organised as an opener to the inaugural East versus West Commercial League All-Star Classic (8.30 p.m.), which will likewise feature its share of prominent past performers.

Among those who will emerge from retirement are former national team stars Ralph (Gumbo) Bean, Johnny Nusum, Wendell (Joe) Trott and Richard (Dirt) Simmons.

The purpose of the night's activities is to promote soccer as a positive outlet for young and old.

Two groups will benefit directly, as proceeds are to be equally divided among Bermuda Referees' Association and the BFA Youth Programme.

"Most people might wonder what this is about, but it's about helping, and this particular event can aid in showing how the game can be played in a genuine, friendly atmosphere,'' said co-organiser Garrett (Punchy) Dill.

"What we're hoping to do is make this an annual thing. Paul Scope and myself came up with the idea, partly because we saw football as suffering in Bermuda and thought that this joint venture between North Village and Robin Hood could provide some benefit for soccer.

"Most of all we want to make it beneficial for the Bermuda Referees' Association, as well as the national youth programme, with the idea to promote football in a positive atmosphere, showing how the Commercial League supports football in general and has a lot to offer to the game.'' Dill added how the first game will also allow some of the Island's older players to give back to the sport that earned many of them prominence in the hearts and minds of the community.

"There are a lot of former players out there that people keep asking, why don't they come back and coach and things like that, but many guys don't have time to commit full-time like a coach has to because they have families and other responsibilities,'' continued Dill. "But they can give in smaller portions, and this is a way of having them give back.'' Brother Wendell Dill noted the process of progressing from youth level to that of the Commercial ranks.

"What we've looked at in this particular instance is that from the pee wees on up everyone aspires to reach certain heights, and at North Village the goal is, from starting at the pee wee level, to spend the end of one's career with the Rams of the Commercial League,'' he said. "With the All-Star match, what we're featuring and highlighting are those that have made the passage through the ranks.'' Meanwhile, the second match looks like taking on a Euro-Bermuda flavour, with several of those involved of English origin, including the likes of Derek Stapley and Paul Towlson, both of whom distinguished themselves in the top flight.

The East team will be coached by Garrett Dill and Miguel Da Ponte of Tuff Dogs, while Scope heads the West's bench.

Squads: East -- Eldon Rego, Bo Saggar, Brian Fubler (Fire Service); Michael Bean, Stuart Smith, Paul Fries (Vasco Mariners); Jo Carolo, Harry Andrews, Carlos Moniz, Nathan Brown (Tuff Dogs); Clevie Wade, John Robinson, Lorenzo Symonds (Devonshire Colts All Stars); Leroy Wilson, Elliott Jennings, Kenny Thompson (North Village Rams); Troy Bean (Wolves); Paul Bothelo (Valley); Jason Floyd (Devonshire Cougars); Terrance Carlington (St.George's All Stars).

West -- Chris Furbert, Keith Bell, Jack Castle, Des Minors (PHC Raiders); John Doran, David Lawler, Chris Worsick (BAA); Saleem Mukkudem, Iain Paul, Jim McLaren (Lobster Pot); Duncan Ashworth, Stephen Ludgate, George Rodrigues (MR Onions); Earl Richardson (Key West Rangers); Derek Stapley, Paul Towlson, Gary Ray, Jar McCabe (Robin Hood).