Some of Bermuda’s top young tennis players worked on their “all-court game” at the first Bermudian National Collegiate Athletic Association Exposure Camp last weekend.

Ed Crass, the founder and director of College Exposure Camp, was joined by former top Bermuda player James Collieson in helping the players work on shot selection and placement, and be more attack minded.

Held at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium, the camp also included a classroom session, where Crass explained to the players about the pathway to the college level and the Universal Tennis Rating — a system providing players worldwide a common scale to determine their level of play.

Collieson benefited from the College Exposure Camp in Tampa, Florida, to earn a full scholarship to Auburn University about 20 years ago.

He described Crass as a “master motivator” and believed his passion for the game rubbed off on those players, aged between 12 and 17, who attended the six-hour camp.

“We had a good turn out of kids who enjoyed an action packed day of tennis,” Collieson, a former Davis Cup player, said.

“Ed’s passion and enthusiasm for the game really helped the kids dig deep and push their limits.”

Collieson added that it was crucial the island’s aspiring players were made aware of the possibilities of college tennis.

“All the kids, with some hard work, have the ability to play college level, whether it is Division I, II, III or Junior College,” he said.

“A Universal Tennis Rating is essential. At this time Bermuda is not part of this relatively new system, but thanks to Ed will be signed up soon.

“Because of Bermuda’s isolation, getting the attention of college coaches is more difficult.

“The new Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association administration are planning more tournaments, both locally and internationally, which will put Bermuda back on the tennis map.”