Bermuda's squash players of the future were honoured at a recent ceremony.

More than 90 children aged five and above took part in the Bermuda Investment Advisory Services Ltd (BIAS) Squash Skills programme.

In a ceremony at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, Philip Guishard, sports advisor to Government, presented each player with a certificate signed by Sports Minister Randy Horton while Mark Melvin of BIAS looked on.

Of those who received awards 21 reached the gold award skill level.

The programme, developed and extensively used in the UK, was launched in Bermuda in 1999 by then Sports Minister, Dennis Lister.

It is designed to provide a structured approach to learning the game as each young player is required to demonstrate specific squash techniques. A total of seven levels have to be passed before participants reach the gold standard.

Many of those who have attained gold in the past have gone on to become members of the national squash team.

On completion of each skill level, Bermuda's squash professional, Gary Plumstead, tested the participants and judged whether they achieved the required level of competence before awarding the certificate.

"The kids really respond to the challenge and it provides us with a clearly identified ladder of skilled players to choose from for competitions," Plumstead said.

The BSRA also incorporates the Skills Awards into its schools programme.

"The awards give the participating schools a solid demonstration of their pupils' sporting achievements within the professional framework of the scheme," he said.

The schools that took part in the scheme were Berkeley Institute, Bermuda High School, CedarBridge Academy, Elliott, Elliott after school programme, Gilbert Institute, Harrington Sound, Mount St. Agnes, Saltus Cavendish, Saltus Junior, Saltus Senior, Spice Valley Middle School, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute.