BERMUDA'S squad for the World Youth Netball Championships next July in Palm Beech, Florida are putting the accent on school children.

The age limit is 21 but the youngest player in the running is just 11 years old.

The Bermuda Netball Association have been running trials for the past two weeks plus training sessions to brush up on rusty skills.

President Debra Saltus said a lot of players had been selected from the schools annual All Star East versus West match.

"For the first time we have extended the invitation and opened it up to school members. It has normally just been those playing in the Bermuda Netball Association league.

"We got the majority from there plus some from our own regular league also vying for a position.

"It's under 21 so everybody stands a chance. If they are 11 and capable of doing the job the age is not going to matter.

"Because people haven't been playing we thought we would get them back into the swing of things with the feel for the ball, we are giving them a fair chance to vie for a position.

"We have had about 28 coming out, some are away and we are certainly not going to eliminate them because of school being out."

She said she wasn't worried about picking the younger ones although she admitted netball wasn't necessarily the dainty game people might deem it.

"It's supposed to be non-contact but it is a very physical game. A lot of Caribbean countries are very physical, we seem to have a cross between the English style of netball and the Caribbean style of netball.

"The English style is more ball passing, a little slower paced than the Caribbean nations who are like gazelles, they are so fast.

"The Caribbean players do a lot more blocking while the English are more into playing the game."

Bermuda wasn't able to go last time to the tournament as it was too far away in Cardiff, Britain.

However the team went to the previous World Youth Championship in Canada and did reasonably well.

"This time because it is so close to home we are venturing into getting our team there," said Saltus.

This time around she hopes for an improvement although competition is likely to be tougher as countries from the powerhouse of the Caribbean will find Florida's proximity affordable as they seek to take the crown from current champs Australia.

The trials at Bernard Park are also open to non-Bermudians who have lived here for two years.

Saltus said the senior team is about to start training in preparation for the Americas region qualifier in January for the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Bermuda have to battle it out with the United States and Canada but Saltus said they were an easier option than taking on the heavyweights of the Caribbean.

"Netball is relatively new in the US and Canada ? it is not as widespread as the Caribbean. The make up of their teams is generally West Indians residing in those areas. I know the American team from last year's adult championship were made up of quite a few former international players from various countries.

"Playing against St. Kitt's or whoever is not any easier, it will probably be a little harder. Only because they have been exposed from a very young age. Bermuda has one of the smallest numbers of playing population ? we have around 250 players."

The qualifier is set for the neutral ground of St. Vincent but this may be changed to a more geographically convenient location.

"St. Vincent is costly to get to ? at least $1,000 per person and that's not taking into consideration the accommodation. I have written off to have it a bit closer, whether it's the US, Canada or here."

By February/March next year she hopes the squad will be whittled down to around 16 although the travelling party will be 12.

"We are looking at ability and height, because Bermuda always has a relatively short team. But ability comes first. We need commitment and dedication to the sport."

Domestic games are played at Bernard Park although the sport is one of many promised an eventual home at the National Sports Centre.

Saltus got into the sport as a child at Warwick Academy and stayed with it when she left.

"I have a passion for it, I like the fastness of the game. It's definitely a thinking game."

She plays for Warwick Breakers in the Summer League which with 12 teams is more popular than the more competitively-minded Winter League which has six or seven teams.

The Winter honours were won by the BPSA this year while Teachers topped the Summer League which runs from April to June.

"We are starting our Winter League on October 3. Registration must be in by September 1."

To find out more contact www.bermudanetball.bm