Many would have thought that after losing so many senior players after the World Cup in 2007 that the Bermuda national team would struggle to field a side that would compete on the world stage for years to come.

However, after a successful tour of Canada and a competitive match against Scotland, it shows that this is simply not the case. If anything, the squad has gone from strength to strength with an abundance of youngsters making up the team.

Recently, I have had the honour of working along with coach Gus Logie and the team and it makes me proud to see how they have raised their level in leaps and bounds.

Currently, this team, as young as some of them are, have shown that they are hungry, eager to learn and very disciplined, but most of all they have the passion and love for the game that is required at the higher level. It has been a dream of mine to have Bermudians take their sports as seriously as the rest of the world and these players are making me believe that it all could be finally coming true.

You don't even have to ask the players whether or not it is an honour and privilege to play for their country, for they have shown it by their actions.

Many of the diehard cricket fans may be missing the performances of Bermuda's name brand players, but sometimes change is good and the result of it all may jump start those who have been missing to rekindle the hunger that was once in them to represent their country. But even if they do not, no worries, as it has been proven that cricket will go on and I applaud those players once again who have taken up the challenge.

The team is so committed right now that not one of them is even thinking about staying here for Cup Match instead of representing Bermuda at the 20/20 tournament in Ireland . . . now Bermuda, that is progress!

What exactly does this mean to the Cup Match clubs? Somerset will have to do without the likes of Dwayne Leverock, Steven Outerbridge and Jekon Edness, while St. George's will definitely be hindered by the loss of OJ Pitcher, Rodney Trott, Chris Foggo, George O'Brien, James Celestine and Oronde Bascome.

I am personally glad to see these guys make the decision to play for their country because it sends a message to the youth of Bermuda that playing for your country should always come first.

Those that have known me are probably saying how can Clay possibly say that when at 16 he chose Cup Match over Bermuda. But only if I could go back and do it again, I would most certainly choose country. International cricket has grown so much since the 1980s, it is clear to the youngsters of today that there are great opportunities that can manifest from representing your country.

While Bermuda were here playing Scotland, a few players personally stopped me and said that they would be out soon, which would be great for Bermuda. But they must understand the expectations of the structure that is now in place as well as the team's expectations. There is no 'I' in this team and everyone works together for each other. The strength of this team is their unity and anyone coming into the training squad will need to work along with the programme not against it.

One thing that is worth noting, how much Steven Outerbridge, Stefan Kelly and Jekon Edness have benefited from playing overseas. Their game has improved tremendously and I can only imagine if we had more players playing abroad how much better we would be as a country.

I just want to encourage this current group of players and those who are missing to live your dream. As kids we all dream of playing in the Cricket World Cup. Do not let personal conflicts or politics stop you and Bermuda from achieving your lifelong dream. Things like this come along once in a lifetime.

Players swallow your pride and come and enjoy the ride because, trust me, Gus Logie and this team are on the road to achieve something special again with or without you.