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Where will the next generation of superstars come from?

Sports Minister El James believes Government's soon to be implemented Centres of Excellence will help train up Bermuda's youth and propel them to future success.

He already is looking to providing funding earlier for youngsters who prove their worth on the world stage, but now is looking to help build that foundation to give them an advantage to get there.

Not a sports academy in the truest sense of the word, the Centres of Excellence will help youngsters with a love of sport more of a chance to get the basics right.

Children who are involved in Government's after-school day care will have the option to practice their sport in the afternoons or on holidays instead of the traditional babysitting service.

The Minister said: "It's being put in place as the school year begins. We do have some teething problems but it will get better as time goes on. We want to give all of our young people quality instruction. We've talked to all the national sports governing bodies and they're all in favour of it.

"We have some good times ahead of us. It's only getting better."

He said the afterschool programme would remain for those who have parents that are working and need a baby-sitting service.

"But now we're looking at targeting exceptional individuals and all the national governing bodies having Centres of Excellence all over the island. If their child loves tennis, we'll make arrangements for them to go to the national stadium or if he's in the east to Southside tennis courts and in the west maybe to Port Royal. Wherever they go, there will be individuals there to give them instruction."

James said that down the road Bermuda is hoping to expand the programme so that children can get high quality instruction in the morning and intensive training in the afternoon.

"This isn't just something for them to do after school; it's helping give them a positive direction," James said.

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