The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) presented Club Licenses to the Premier and First Division Clubs as part of its ongoing club development initiative. All clubs were required to provide to the Association specific documentation to verify the structure and the status of various areas within their Club.  Led by BFA Honorary Vice President and Club Licensing Manager Mr. Neville Tyrrell, the Club Licensing Committee spent considerable time during 2017 to assess the documentation, interview the Clubs and make a final determination whether or not each of the BFA's Full Member Clubs were compliant with the Club Licensing Regulations.   

The BFA's Club Licensing Program is part of the global initiative established by FIFA and is a requirement implemented by CONCACAF.  The Club Licensing initiative is aimed at improving the standard of club administration and to bring about a professional approach to the way clubs operate so the ultimate aim is to better serve their players, coaches, members, their communities and Bermuda as a whole.  It is vitally important that standards for the proper management of clubs are implemented but more importantly sustained over the long term.

Mark Wade, President of the Bermuda Football Association took the occasion to thank the clubs for embracing the objectives of the Club Licensing program.  He stated that with the clubs embracing the program shows that they believe in developing and improving their modus operandi for the good of football.  It also shows the value in togetherness with the understanding that football as a whole can only be strong if each club works toward a common goal of sustained development.  

The presentation of the Club License by no means signals the end of the Clubs obligation to the program.  BFA General Secretary emphasized that it is only the beginning to ensure sustainability which will aid the clubs with long term success.  In this regard, the following protocols will oversee the continuance of the program going forward:

• License is valid for a period of two years and will expire in September 2019.
• Clubs will have to submit application for license on or before September 30th, 2019 and every two (2) years thereafter.
• Clubs who are not granted a License can re-apply in September of the 1st year.
• Club Licensing Committee to conduct review of applications and make decision by December 31st.
• Presentation of Licenses will take place in January.
• Clubs are obligated to uphold the Club Licensing regulations and criteria.
• Club Licensing Committee will conduct periodic spot checks on clubs during the License period.
• Clubs can lose their license if they fail the spot check.
• The Association shall have the right to publish all Clubs License status.

The Association is pleased to have implemented this program and to make the first presentation of Licenses but will continue to work with our clubs to assist with their evolvement both on and off the field for the greater good of the game.