Following the Island Soccer League Draft that took place at the Grotto Bay Hotel on Friday evening, www.islandstats.com was one of only two media outlets there to capture the event asked David Bascome, MBE Commissioner/Owner ISL, Founder Hope4Life a few questions about the Draft and the League.
Q. With someone like Shuan Goater drafted what does it say about the league?
A. Well I guess it says he is not too old to get the job done, I am not sure if he was even aware of it until I mentioned it to him the next day. T he Apex drafted him I guess in hope that he may come out and play, but I would say that they would have their work cut out for them if they are really looking to get him on the field. But with the draft this year there was plenty surprises and I was very pleased with the coaches working hard on their selections.
Q. This will be the ISL’s 4th year what are some of the exciting things planned?
A. We would be having plenty promotional nights for the fans to enjoy, with the support from Lindos, Cellular One, ACE, Cycle Care, Flagstone, TBI, Sidekicks and G.E.T securities we will be looking to really put on a show. From Old-De-Goldie nights and ISL Dance Offs I feel that the fans will have a lot to cheer for. We will be looking to do an ISL sports show update and have players in the community each week doing appearances and with our new venture of ISL Netball this year we feel that this 2010 season will be great.
Q. Several new faces will feature this year do you believe it is catching on?
A. Yes I feel that it is catching on and fast, the players that got drafted this year are some of the top players in Bermuda and players that are well respected for what they bring to the game. New comers like Kwame Steede (Storm), Ralph Bean (Arsenal), Domico Coddington (Storm), Nigel Burgess ( Arsenal), Rui Furtado ( Kings), Teddy Tercier (Storm), Stephen Astwood (Titans) and Jason Lee (Arsenal).
Q. Sitting at the Draft watching the coaches pick players what was going through your mind as the Commissioner?
A. What struck me the most was that we lasted this long and the staff has put plenty work in this and we are started to see the rewards of how professionalism pays off, I was remembering the first year when I had ask the staff what they think about moving forward and do they think we have a product to help save your people. It was then that they felt that the stories and appreciation from the players was priceless and the league has to continue. This is the players league and it is up to them to drive this forward and do what they have to do to make it successful.
Q. With the ISL Netball Draft do you feel there is excitement amongst the ladies?
A. Yes very much so, Ladies Sports have been disregarded for many years and I am sure with their talents they are going gain the respect in no time. Netball has plenty followers and I feel that they will be a key to ISL having success as well. We hope that with the support from the BNA and players we could help encourage growth in their own leagues. I always enjoyed watching Netball and hope that we could help bring the players passion and love back for the game.
