Photos/Video: Clyde Best Centre Of Excellence
Yesterday [May 2] the Bermuda Football Association held a ground breaking ceremony for the planned Clyde Best Centre of Excellence at the BFA field in Devonshire.
The Centre is named after Bermuda’s own Clyde Best, a world class athlete who helped pave the way for the black footballers of today. One of the first black players of the modern era to establish himself in England’s top division, Mr. Best played for London club West Ham United.
He played 218 games and registered 58 goals for West Ham over seven seasons between August 1969 and January 1976. The Bermudian is known the world over by football fans, and was featured in a CNN special last year as a football pioneer.
Mr Best said, “It was because of the game of football that I was able to achieve what I did. My mom and dad are not here any more but if you are up there looking I know you would be proud. Thank you so much to everyone, this is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Visiting FIFA officials, BFA President Larry Mussenden, Minister of Community & Cultural Development Wayne Scott, Minister of Public Works Trevor Moniz, Speaker Randy Horton and BFA Executives all attended the ground breaking ceremony.
BFA President Mr Mussenden said, “FIFA gave to the Bermuda Football Association and people of Bermuda $1.5 million a few years ago to develop the field.
“For this building that is going to be developed here, FIFA have given us over the period of two or three phases $1.3 million to erect the building, which will be a two-storey building.”
“I’m delighted to be associated with this ground breaking ceremony,” said Minister Wayne Scott. “The BFA’s dream of having its own facility is finally coming to fruition and in the process a Bermuda football icon will be indelibly memorialized as the BFA’s Academy of Excellence will be named after Clyde Best.”
Speaker of the House Randy Horton — also a former professional footballer — said, “We are honouring today a man I had the privilege of striking goals with. I think it’s wonderful the BFA decided to honour him by naming this center after him.”
Click photos to enlarge:
Update 8.22pm: The plans for the Centre are below [PDF here]
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Good job BFA and well deserved for Mr. Best!!
Can Bernews, or any of its posters, confirm exactly where in Devonshire this is being constructed?
Sorry, we just added that. It’s at the BFA field, by the Police HQ in Prospect.
Thanks Bernews!
Next to the old Gymnasium Field.
Best should have a lot more than his name on a building. He was a trailblazer in UK football that made it possible for Cunningham, Regis, Batson to be accepted in the big league.
He was the first star black player in Britain and had to endure racial abuse from opposing fans and some of his own fans. Definitely a man who should have been honoured years ago.
HEAR…surprised that there is no national official recognition in the UK either….not even at West Ham. shameful to say the least.
Agreed. Visit his website http://www.clydebest.org.
We have also started a charity with an aim to better field conditions in Bermuda, provide scholarships, support grass root programs and at a personal request by Clyde, to raise money for Cancer patience.
just checked you link….I’m all for supporting that initiative…thanks
Yes a great honour for a man that richly deserves it.
Bernews – maybe we should have a brief article about the Clyde Best Foundation as a follow up to this great story. You can contact us via the website: clydebest.org
Sure, we checked the site when you posted the link, sounds good. We are off our feet this weekend, so will email on Monday!
Bernews, can u inform us as to what the building will house or be used for?
We updated with the actual layout, you can view it above, the building will have offices, locker rooms, weight room etc.
Check out the plans on this link: http://bwarch.bm/portfolio_sector.html?sec=3
Shud name the grandstand at national stadium!!!!!Nevertheless Big Up Mr Best!!LEGEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!