WHEN he's not out in the middle of the cricket pitch whipping the ball about, Western Stars and Somerset Cricket Club Cup Match skipper Albert Steede can be found encouraging youngsters to get involved with another sport - squash.

Steede works in tandem with Bermuda Squash and Racquet Association professional Gary Plumstead and Whitney Institute gym teacher Dwight Jackson every Friday for an hour. And the trio have their hands full of young talent at the Devonshire courts - a venue where Steede hopes many of the youngsters will ultimately take up permanent residence and play for the island on the international squash scene.

"It's a demanding sport but they enjoy it," said Steede. "Once they get to hit the ball a few times they seem to enjoy it even more!

"They (kids) are very interested in squash and always look forward to playing every week.

"We cater to about 16 kids in the group who are between the ages of 13 to 14.

"Gary (Plumstead) organises the drills, training and sometimes even matches, while Jackson and myself are also there to assist.

"We are looking to expose students in the public schools to the sport of squash and actually there have been quite a few of them that have really excelled by coming through the junior ranks. So hopefully they will aspire to even greater heights and go on to represent the national team.

"Ultimately, we hope this bodes well for the future of the sport here on the island. So this is a nice way to introduce them, and who knows, there just may be others out there with more hidden talents!"

Although he has not represented Bermuda at the national level in squash, Steede (who was runner -up in this year's Shell Handicap Tournament) said that besides cricket, squash is his next passion."I enjoy squash just as much as cricket - however, since cricket demands so much of my time, I can't play as much as I would like to during the summer months.

"It's a very physical sport and is also great for both hand-eye coordination and footwork."

Steede also makes it no secret that squash has helped his performances on the cricket pitch considerably.

"Yes, you could say that squash has helped me with my cricket. It is a very demanding all-round game on the body.

"It really assists me with my footwork - you have to be able to execute certain movements on the court."

Steede also made it through to the second round of the Fast Forward Freight National Championships in March, where he lost to eventual champion and top local player Nick Kyme.