Bermuda have stepped up their preparations for their international friendly matches away to Grenada in June.

The island-based players started training this week while those studying or playing overseas could potentially join up with the squad prior to the matches held at the National Stadium in Grenada on June 8 and 10.

Maurice Lowe, the Bermuda Football Association technical development director, said he is encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the players that attended the first training session at BFA Field on Wednesday.

“The session last night was very energetic and the players were enthused about being back in training,” Lowe said.

“It’s always good and an honour to represent your country, and everyone is very energetic about the opportunity to do that. Our preparations have gone up a gear, as far as getting the team ready, and we’re going down there to win.”

Grenada are ranked 176 in the world rankings, nine places above Bermuda. In the previous meeting between the countries in March 2015, Bermuda won 2-0 at home. Bermuda’s previous outing was a friendly against Canada at the National Stadium in January, which the visiting side won 4-2.

Several of Bermuda’s Under-20 players featured in the match, including goalkeeper Jahquil Hill, of the Chesterfield International Academy, Bristol City forward Osagi Bascome, Zenawi Bowen, Rai Sampson, Oneko Lowe, Ajai Daniels and Keishon Bean.

Sampson and Lowe also featured in a Bermuda Select’s 1-1 draw with North American Soccer League champions New York Cosmos at the National Stadium last month.