"The crowd aren't coming and this country should be ashamed of itself."
That's the sentiment of Arsenal coach Nick Jones at the lack of turnout for Island Soccer League games.
Jones Arsenal squad were spanked 15 to 6 by the Knights in Sunday's match at the National Centre. A contest played in front of just over 100 spectators.
Jones said while he's not used to being at the bottom of the pile (Arsenal are 0-5), this isn't about how his team is doing, it's about the country getting behind ISL commissioner David Bascome and his fledgling league.
"I am pissed off at this country. I'm pissed off at the soccer community and I'm pissed off at the public at large. There are people who scream and shout that there's nothing to do in this country," Jones said.
"This man has come here and broken his back to create something in Bermuda where people can come as a family to watch.
"This is quality entertainment. There are no problems on the pitch. There are good handouts and CellularOne is behind him 100 per cent and the crowd aren't coming and this country should be ashamed of itself.
Jones blamed the lack of turnout on "Bermuda's typical apathy to everything. We are so slow to accept anything new."
He acknowledges that the ISL had a few rough edges at the beginning as everything was brand new.
"There were a couple of mid-week games and kids were still in school, but David has made an adjustment. We've played a Friday, Saturday and Sunday twice. I'm not expecting everybody to go to all three games, but the lack of support shown has been terrible."
Jones said he's a big believer in Bascome because he's been giving back to the community ever since the former North Village player turned pro in the U.S.
"David and the ISL have done a tremendous job. This man needs to be patted on his back, for what he's done and what he's created. If people don't show up and start supporting this, this could disappear and that would be a disgrace.
"The way people are not showing up to support these teams is disgusting in my book. I just can't hold my tongue anymore."
Jones said he thought the ISL would be drawing around 500 fans on game days. He added that the games should be drawing 120 people as a base because of the families of the players involved.
"If you look at the crowds now, there are probably 120 to 150 people showing up. What's wrong with people? Bermuda has to do better than that. The public, scream, cry, moan and groan that there's nothing to do - and I can tell you that there's been plenty to do for the last six weeks when the ISL has been on and you all have missed the boat.
Posted: Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Comment by:
Tracey Wilkinson
I agree with Nick Jones completely. I think the turnout is absolutely ridiculous. Where are the player’s family members and friends? We always complain that there is nothing for our young people to do, but most importantly here is a Bermudian doing something good for Bermuda and if Bermudians don't support Bermudians who will.
PS: Pas how often do you go the ISL games??
Posted: Thursday, June 14, 2007
Comment by:
The hooligan
Hey nick - whatever you do this week - hey, make it a sporty one! (wink)
Posted: Thursday, June 14, 2007
Comment by:
nobody
Jones needs to get over.
Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Comment by:
mark jennings
In Bermuda our most prize resource is the investment in our children. David has created a great product that is exciting and new. I know david did his homework, David has marketed this product as a family function. I realize in Bermuda most parents work very hard, some even have two jobs to make ends meet and for some, the weekend is time to recover and rest from a week of hard work. But the lesson that the parents should pass on to their children is the big picture here. Which is about hopes and dreams. Mr. Bascome is a true role model for the children of Bermuda, his story of how he has made a succesful profesional soccer/football career when the odds were stacked against him, is awesome and how much he gives back to our local community through his summer camps and charity work is even more admirable. David started out against the odds but won! This my local bermudians, is a great example of presivarence he did not give up. This alone should have families coming out just to support his effort.(Island soccer Leauge)
So as this new leauge continues, let us go out and support the ISL and cement a future for the leauge . I do not have harsh words for the lack of support, but Bermuda the ISL needs you to foster the dreams of the young people that play in this leauge and for the hope it creates for skilled footballers in the schools that aspire to use soccer/football as a means to an end to provide education to our future young people. Remember, University cost about $100,000 and a nice home in Bermuda cost about $800,000 if our kids are not educated will they beable to enjoy the furits of this Beautiful country? You see, this is not just about soccer/football, but about creating hope for our young people not only in sport but in commerce, business and politics. Bermuda I agree, you do not have to go out to every single game, but please support at least two out of the three that may be scheduled each week, make it indeed a famile event and support some of our future professional stars.
See you all at the game!!!!
David and the ISL staff keep up the good work!!
Mark "Burger" Jennings
Director "Grass Roots" Soccer Academy.
Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Comment by:
PAS
Jones should realize that he is selling an entertainment product. Obviously there is something wrong with the product, marketing or market that he needs to fix. Telling customers that he is pissed off at them and calling them apathetic is a novel approach to this problem.
Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Comment by:
Football Fanatic
D,
I think the ticket prices are now $12 a game and they used to be $20, not $25. I think they lowered the price after Government slashed the price to rent the National Stadium from $7,500 a night to $3,500 (which is still pretty high).
Posted: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Comment by:
d
I would think the lack of attendance is due to the ridiculas cover charge. Don't get me wrong, there should be a cover charge people have worked hard and made investments. But what is it $25 a person to watch a game?How do you expect to establish a solid fan base, the league is new?!
