a year ago, the second event next month will again feature only four teams.

Bermuda Football Association had anticipated attracting at least six sides.

But following the withdrawal of Trinidad and Tobago, a decision has been made to proceed with just four.

"It's a little disappointing to have Trinidad withdraw at the last minute after committing themselves. With such little time remaining, we decided to go with four teams again,'' said BFA president Neville Tyrrell.

"But the good thing is that we now know that there are other teams interested and we know we can accommodate them in the future. We believe the event this year will be just as interesting and keenly contested.'' Though team numbers remain the same, a significant change has been made in that sides in the Under-15 age group will compete instead of the Under-17s who played last year.

The BFA see this as a first step towards preparing local players for the 1999 Junior World Cup.

According to Tyrrell, with the Bank of Bermuda accepting the role as the Under-15s' main sponsor over the next six years, plans can be now focused primarily on developing a strong squad rather than worrying about funding for pre-tournament matches.

And with other countries making similar moves aimed at the 1999 Junior World Cup, the likelihood is that interest in next year's Bermuda youth tournament will be even keener.

"It's good to know that we could have easily got six teams here this time.

There were other teams showing great interest in the tournament as well,'' said Tyrrell.

FC Porta, a team from the Azores which the BFA feel will help bring out many of the Portuguese soccer fans here, are a new addition this year.

They will be joined by Glasgow Rangers, the United States Olympic Programme Area Three team and hosts Bermuda.

Last year Canada sent a team in the Under-17 age group that finished third behind winners Rangers and second placed United States. But the Canadian Under-15 team is understood to have had a previous commitment.

The tournament takes place at National Stadium from July 14-18.