THE Bank of Bermuda Foundation have again agreed to sponsor the 2007 ITF Junior Circuit Tournament for the fifth time. “The tournament keeps on getting better and better,” said Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president David Lambert this week.David Lang, director of the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, said: “It is a terrific tournament and has grown in numbers. We are very happy with the way the tournament has been run. The acid test comes from the ITF official who is here every year to make sure everything is run properly. And he has given the tournament a clean bill of health every year and also has made a few recommendations as well and the BLTA have picked that up. So we at the Foundation are very happy with it.”

Lambert said: “It is by far our largest local tournament for our juniors. We have players who come from all over the world to play in it and they are are looking for those all important ITF world ranking points. Last year we had players from 21 countries represented.”

The tournament, which will be staged again at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium from June 18-23, has a 32-draw for both the 18 and under boys and 18 and under girls. There is a doubles tournament as well and the younger players have a chance to shine in the 14 and under division.

“This tournament is part of the ITF Junior Circuit which runs in June, July and August,” said Lambert.

On average Bermuda will have 35-40 youngsters playing in the various divisions. “They also find out that they have to pick up their game,” said Lambert adding that some of the top Bermuda players also travel throughout the Caribbean in the summer on the ITF circuit.

“Some of our kids meet (overseas) coaches at the tournament and as a result get accepted to tennis academies — this tournament really gives our players great exposure to a high level of play. We are proving that we do have a lot of talent here in Bermuda.”