 ISL Commissioner & Sponsor's IslandStats.com
The ISL, now in its fourth year, is a professional soccer league that fosters sportsmanship, team spirit and world-class soccer skills among Bermudian players interested in a soccer career; some even move on to careers with American professional soccer teams. The league includes eight teams. This year’s season will run from May 21 through the first week of August, with a total of 10 regular season games held on evenings and weekends. The ISL championship playoffs will be held on June 24 and the championship game on June 26. The popular All-Star game will take place on July 19, with the draft for the All-Star game being held on April 16. All games will be played at the National Sports Centre. The public is welcome to watch any of the games; tickets are available from Lindo’s and CellularOne for $12 adults and $8 for kids. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults and $10 kids. All tickets can be used for any ISL game throughout the season.
As part of the ISL programme, players are dedicated to reaching out to the island’s youth through speaking opportunities, school visits and sporting events in association with Hope4Life. ISL has also introduced a new netball tournament that will be held in August, and plans are underway for a youth rugby tournament; both offer a way for youth in the community to get out, be active and have fun.
David Bascome, ISL Commissioner and Founder of Hope4Life says, “With ISL, we’re trying to create heroes; professional players who can go out into the community and inspire young people. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm of these young people when they are given the opportunity to meet the players and other mentors or even to get out and play themselves.” Further information on ISL is available on their website at www.islsoccer.com.
Hope4Life is a non-profit organization that was launched by the Bermuda Government in 2008. It aims to provide school-age children, specifically male’s ages 8 to 18, with the information and skills they need to deal with issues such as drugs, violence and peer pressure, and equip them with tools that enable them to avoid negative influences and focus on their strengths and potential. Hope4Life role models, including ISL athletes, communicate to young people through speaking engagements, workshops and appearances at schools and community events. Hope4Life also runs the ISL.
Zach Moniz, Lindo’s Manager, says: “Lindo’s is pleased to be title sponsor this year for ISL and Hope4Life. These programmes provide an outlet for Bermuda’s youth to focus on positive activities and establish direction in their lives. At Lindo’s we believe in community working together. These programmes have a great community focus and encourage active, healthy lives. We are excited about working with the ISL and Hope4Life in the coming year.”
Bascome is thrilled to have Lindo’s support for the year’s activities: “Lindo’s is a huge supporter in the community. They don’t just provide funds and products, but they encourage all of their staff and the community to get involved. For Lindo’s to support what we are doing is a matter of trust, and we appreciate their trust in us. We look forward to working with them closely throughout the season.”
There will be giveaways at the events and appearances by ISL players in Lindo’s stores throughout the season.
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