League commissioner David Bascome is hoping the influx of former Bermuda Hogges stars to the Island Soccer League (ISL) will encourage more fans to flock through the turnstiles this season.

The ISL has been a chief beneficiary of Hogges' decision to switch to the Premier Development League (PDL), which requires the franchise to fill the majority of their roster with players under the age of 23.

Consequently, the fourth edition of the ISL will arguably be the strongest since its inception in 2007 with seasoned veterans such as Keston Lewis, Nigel Burgess, Blenn Bean, Kwame Steede and Ralph Bean all joining the small-sided league.

"I do believe (the former Hogges players) will attract more people out to come and watch them and the league," said Bascome.

"The new players coming in have a great following and I would hope (Bermuda fans) continue to support their efforts of trying to win an ISL championship.

"The players have a job to do and that's to entertain, they're in a professional environment and their level of commitment has to be high."

Despite the six-a-side game's faster pace and guaranteed flurry of goals the ISL, like the Hogges, has not attracted as many supporters as they would have liked.

But patience is a virtue for Baltimore Blast assistant, Bascome, who admits building a firm fanbase will not happen overnight but is still confident the professional league can thrive on the Island and help eradicate some of its social ills.

"It's very important (the public supports the ISL) because it's not just about the game but building role models, it's a programme under the Hope4Life banner that has substance," he said.

"A bigger fanbase will help the league grow and give many young people in Bermuda some hope that they could be a part of professional teams in their own country.

"Attracting fans takes time, fans need to trust what you're doing and that's when they move towards your product.

"I want fans to understand what the ISL is about before they come to a game. We have to continue to be in the community, because getting them to one game is easy, keeping them coming back is the greater task and will only happen if they enjoy your product.

"We plan to get the fans involved and make them feel that this is also their league."

The former Bermuda international called time on his professional career back in 2008 after 18 years at indoor outfits such as the Blast, Harrisburg Heat and Denver Thunder.

He still gets the urge to pull on his boots but said he now got more joy in providing young Bermuda players with a platform for self-improvement, both on and off the field.

"I do miss the game but after playing for 18 professional years my time has come to an end," said the ex-North Village midfielder. "I get my biggest joy out of helping build a professional platform for the players to play on. "

The new ISL season starts tomorrow night at the National Sports Centre. Kings play Union at 7.30 p.m. and Arsenal face Royal at 8.45 p.m.