An accent on youth is beginning to reap rewards for Bermuda's tennis fraternity.

Pointing to several landmark achievements, president of the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) David Lambert has termed 2003 "a very successful year" in the development of junior tennis and says there are plans to push the younger generation further next year.

"The pinnacle of the junior local circuit was the ITF Bank of Bermuda Foundation World-Ranking Tournament. That was the first time we've had the opportunity to host such an event and we saw a very high level of tennis.

"In addition, the reactivation of team tennis and training for our national teams have been important and ? along with the inter-school tournaments ? were all structured to help prepare our juniors.

"Based on what we've seen, the BLTA is pleased with the juniors and their prospects for the future," he said.

Two other significant barometers by which the progress of juniors has been judged are the level of success they have enjoyed in adult-ranking tournaments and the number of juniors now vying for senior selection.

In the first instance, Lambert noted several juniors are beating older rivals and winning senior titles.

"For example, Jasmine Quinn and Jacqueline Lambert won the Ladies B Doubles at Pomander Gate. David Thomas won the Men's B division at the same event.

"Kris Frick won the Heineken (Open) B Division and Gavin Manders won the Argus Open's B Division.

"These are adult-ranking tournaments and these youngsters are stepping up. They're also doing very well in the A Division."

Another indicator of the strength of Bermuda's juniors is the strong possibility that next year's senior Federation Cup team is likely to be entirely made up teenagers. Also, younger players like Jovan Whitter are being recruited for Davis Cup action.

"We're pleased because that is how the ITF measures and monitors the development of a country ? how young are your top players?

"We didn't always have an Ashley Brooks at the age of 15 being the No.1 ranked woman in Bermuda. We didn't always have a Jenson Bascome at the age of 23 being Bermuda's top male player.

"All of the indicators are heading in the right direction to show that our development procedure is on course," said the president.

Come 2004, there will be six junior and four adult tournaments for the Island's rising tennis stars to further press their claims.

Added to these opportunities, there will be five international events for the juniors to aspire to while competing locally: junior Davis and Fed Cup teams; senior Davis and Fed Cup teams and the 14 and Under Caribbean Championships.

"The juniors, coaches, parents and sponsors are realising that points are what it's all about. These local tournaments are taking on a different significance.

"Juniors who finish in the top six in the different age categories will be invited to train for the various teams who will be travelling to compete next year.

"So everyone is recognising the importance of acquiring ranking points through match play," said Lambert.

The tennis chief underlined the sport's growing relevance to Bermuda by the fact that more than 20 youngsters are currently overseas on tennis scholarships of some sort ? full or partial.

"They are benefiting from their exposure to tennis and the different programmes which the BLTA has structured.

"Everything is in place. All our juniors have to do is stay focused, work hard and take advantage of the substantial programmes we have put in place."