By Andrew Coakley
FN Sports Editor
The move towards The Bahamas playing in its first ever International American Football Championship took another step closer over the weekend, when 25 of the proposed 70 member national team was selected.
In spite of the cold evening air that was blowing over the GB Sports Complex, the many players from Bahamas Youth Football who had showed up for national team practice, were all kneeling on one knee listening to the Commissioner of BYF, LaLisa Anthony talk about the process of selection for team members.
Perhaps those who were staring at her with eyes and faces of expectancy heard everything the Commiss-ioner had to say, and perhaps many didn't.
Their minds were already running ahead of her and searching the list of names that were on her notepad, which was tucked securely under her arm as she spoke.
"I'm proud of every one of you," Anthony said, looking over the young men who had gathered after a two hour practice session.
"For all of you who are here, you have already proven that you have what it takes to be a part of this team. For those who will be selected, you will be a part of history and that means being prepared."
The practice was one of many for the selection of the first ever Bahamian national youth football team to represent The Bahamas at the IAFF Junior World Football Championship Qualification Tournament Games, which begins in Panama City on January 24, 2009.
A win by the national team would take them to Mexico for the second round.
A win at the second round would send the Bahamian team to the championship games in Canton, Ohio in the summer.
The Commissioner told the eager boys that a roster of 75 players would be chosen. However, that does not mean 75 players will get to travel to compete.
Of the 75 chosen a second cutting of the roster would be held to select 55 players. While 55 players can be chosen to the team and travel, only 45 players will be allowed to play and only 45 players has the IAAF agreed to pay some expenses for.
"So, even if you are picked among the 75, that does not automatically mean you will travel to play," Anthony noted.
She pointed out the fact that all of the team members will not hail from Grand Bahama.
She said that players from Nassau and Abaco will also have a shot at making the national team.
"So, that means you have even more competition to get on this team," Anthony added.
"That means if you want to make this team, you will have to work harder and be more committed.
"But tonight the coaches have said that they've seen some of the players they are sure they want to be a part of the roster and have selected 25 players which I will announce tonight."
Not wanting to extend the anxiety among the players any longer, the Commissioner finally unfolded her arms, opened her portfolio and proceeded to read off the names of the first 25 members from Grand Bahama who made the roster of 75.
All of the players are being selected by the coaches taking part in the national trials.
The remainder of the team is expected to be announced by the end of this week, along with the announcement of the head coach who will be selected to head up the team.
The players know that being a part of this team is a big deal, because it will be the team that will set the precedent for the future of international play for Bahamian youngsters playing American football.
JWC games between the world's eight best high school-aged (19 and under) national teams from four continents will be played on Saturday, June 27 and continue on Wednesday, July 1 and Saturday, July 4, before the Championship Game on Sunday, July 5.
The United States qualified automatically as host along with number one seed Canada. Germany, Sweden and France will fly Europe's flag, while Japan will represent Asia.
Either Australia or New Zealand and one from Mexico, Panama or The Bahamas will complete the tournament field.
