The Bank of Bermuda International Tennis Federation and Central American and Caribbean Confederation Junior Tournament starts this weekend at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.

The prestigious event is in its thirteenth year and is a unique opportunity for Bermuda’s top young players to compete in an international event for worldwide ranking points.

With participants representing over 19 countries, the event has drawn players from United States, Canada, Japan, India and Brazil.

Local players hoping to make their mark are returning academy players Luke Sterling, David Leader and Ricky Mallory Jr, together with Dillan Powell and Kaylah Ming.

Ricky Mallory, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association’s tennis director, is urging the public to come out and support the youngsters.

“This is a meaningful tournament on their calendar right in their backyard; we want the home crowd to rally behind these players,” Mallory said.

“In a few years’ time these players will be looking for valuable tennis scholarship and these tournaments matter on their tennis resume.”

Michael Wolfe, president of the BLTA, is grateful to the support of the Bank of Bermuda Foundation for its continuous sponsorship of the tournament, along with KPMG, Barritt’s, Wilson, BTC, Grandview Tent & Party Rentals and East End Telecom.

“It’s a significant undertaking to host an international quality event, both financially and with the time and dedication of the tennis volunteers and community as a whole,” Wolfe said.

“Without their support our juniors would have to pay to travel to these types of events. We are so thankful for the support of the local community and the Department of Youth and Sports as well as the Bermuda Tourism Authority.”

Match play starts today at 10am and the tournament runs through to next Saturday, with participants competing in both boys’ and girls’ Cotecc events for under-12 and under-14s and the ITF event for under-18s boys and girls.