PHILIPSBURG--Shoulder pads, helmets and bone jarring American Football tackles may be coming to the shores of the Friendly Island. Tony Wyllie, a senior vice president with Washington Redskins, was on island with members of the Toni James sports group to survey the possibility of operating a football camp on St. Maarten.

"We are looking to start a programme for athletes age seven to eighteen," said Wyllie, as he met with members of the St. Maarten Flag Football Association at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex Saturday. "This is not just about playing a game, but about opportunities and options.

Wyllie went on to explain that in addition to teaching local children how to play the game, the group would also train coaches and game officials.

"This is not about making NFL players," said Wyllie. "It's about helping kids prepare and get into college."

Flag football is American style football without pads, helmets or tackling. The athletes wear two coloured flags, one on either side of their bodies. Instead of knocking down the person with the ball, the defence simply has to pull the flag (coloured streamer) off the player's Velcro belt.

Approximately 20 footballers showed up to play a game and listen to the visitors. When asked if each player knew one or more people who would be interested, they said they each knew five or more athletes.

The footballers explained they had only received notice of the meeting Thursday and that's why the turn-out was light.

"To make this happen, we will need support," said Wyllie. He told the athletes that government, businesses, the schools and, of course, the players need to come together to make a football programme a reality.

There are plans for stakeholders to meet today at 3:00pm to continue discussions.