By FRED STURRUP, frederick@nasguard.com, frobertsturrup@gmail.com

Youth American Football in The Bahamas is getting more intriguing by the day. Four-year National Football League veteran Devard Darling will soon introduce a new youth program to The Bahamas.

Darling's mentor and spokesperson, Frank Rutherford, disclosed the proposed project during a lengthy chat we had Tuesday. Rutherford, the first Bahamian Olympic medalist in track and field (triple jump bronze at the 1992 Olympics) is almost always quite passionate. During our telephone discussion, he spoke to the strong desire of Darling to push his program and how important it is for "everybody to be on the same page" with no negative attitudes getting in the way.

Darling's connection to youth football is nothing new. In fact, he was the catalyst for the Bahamas Youth Football in Grand Bahama. He will be re-joining the mix at a very challenging time for the youth aspect of the sport. The BYF, under Commissioner LaLisa Anthony and the Commonwealth American Football League, run by a steering committee, are not exactly working in unison. In fact, while Steering Committee member Lawrence Hepburn has been very civil and accommodating to Anthony, there are others in the CAFL who want nothing at all to do with her. Caught in the middle is the Ministry of Sports and Minister of State for Youth and Sports, the Hon. Byran Woodside, and now according to Rutherford, there is this new element.

"Devard has big plans. His project is structured and we will certainly communicate with the Minister and the Ministry of Sports to ensure that they are fully aware of exactly what we are doing. You know Devard is well-connected. In this program,

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people will see the direct involvement of the NFL. Representatives will be on the podium when the formal conference is held in The Bahamas," said Rutherford. The former triple jump specialist, who was actually just the fourth Bahamian behind sailors Sir Durward Knowles, Sloane Farrington and Cecil Cooke to win an Olympic medal, will be coordinating the youth program for Devard.

Darling who spent his first four years in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens will be in a Kansas City Chiefs uniform for the upcoming season. Although nowhere near as outwardly aggressive as his mentor, his passion runs just as deeply.

"Devard wants to do this for the youth of the nation. This program will be real tight and everyone will see the NFL personnel who will verify the authenticity. There is so much that needs to be done for the youth of our nation. I applaud any forum or any arrangement that uplifts our kids. This is my life and Devard is very strong on a youth program. We have a detailed program, which was presented to the Ministry of Sports three years ago, but we will make sure that the new Minister of Sports gets another copy because this has to be done right," said Rutherford.

An interesting scenario beckons. The CAFL in an "understood" way is considered the parent body for American football in the country. The BYF group seeks Bahamian federation status.

How will the Devard Darling program fit?

It never ends Minister Woodside. Here, you are faced with another dilemma.

The Anthony faction in Grand Bahama appears to be standing firm on the conviction that they have a "right" to seek official federation status. There are adamant members of the CAFL who wish to thwart every move made by the former group. It is shaping up to be a nasty battle that could get even nastier before anything is resolved.

And now, here is Devard, our home bred NFL player. There will be lots of sentiments going his way. Already, it seems that the CAFL will have absolutely no problem working with Devard. In fact, CAFL personnel will likely welcome his involvement in youth football.

How and when will it all unravel?

Hopefully the program already initiated in the Northern Bahamas will not be hampered. Also, the CAFL was moving from strength to strength with two very good seasons in the bag. The Steering Committee needs to ensure that it is not distracted as it pushes for an even better season.

As for the Devard Darling Program, stay tuned.