to a robust start on Saturday with 15 teams being involved in the day's activities at Saltus.

Two teams were crowned champions of their divisions, North Village winning the Minors and Wolves taking honours in the Under-19 Premier Division, while the champions of the Bantam Division will be decided when their final will precede the Charity Cup at PHC on September 30.

The participants in that match-up will be Devonshire Colts and Wolves.

In Saturday's Minors final North Village defeated Devonshire Colts 3-2 while the Premier final saw Wolves beat Somerset CC 4-2 on penalty kicks after regulation time saw the teams tied at 1-1.

While play was intense throughout, the Shell Youth Development Committee had expected even greater numbers to turn out for the season opener, but with some clubs taking longer than expected to finalise their teams they were consequently unable to be involved.

The regular season's league play will start on Saturday, October 7 and most of the clubs are expected to have their squads well prepared by that time.

One addition to the league this season will see the revision of an Under-19 (Premier Division), a division that lost appeal last season after just four teams were entered.

Inspired by sponsors Shell, the youth league has developed a scholarship plan for individuals in the Under-19 division to assist players' educations at the Bermuda College, and or any trade education and to assist those seeking to obtain a high school or Bermuda Secondary School certificates.

Additionally some consideration is being given to scheduling an Under-19 All-Star Game so that the event will act as a showcase that will possibly help the players attract scholarships to further their education overseas.

The league will also feature many rule changes this season and coaches are asked to attend a meeting at BAA on September 30 at 10 a.m. to become more familiar with the new rules.