Approaching their busiest calendar ever, Bermuda's tennis hierarchy are in search of corporate sponsorship for national teams after learning that tournament funding from the world-governing body will not be reinstituted just yet.

President of Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) David Lambert said this decision had been taken in keeping with the need for Bermuda's squads in competitions such as the Davis Cup and Fed Cup to be as well prepared as possible despite the withdrawal of funds from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

"The ITF is restructuring its financial resources and they are going to assist us as much as they can. However, we were informed that, next year, they will not be able to assist us as they have done previously.

"In the past, they have given us full travel grants, full accommodation plus a $3,000 allowance for each team," said Lambert, outlining the old ITF policy for Davis and Fed Cup teams.

"We were told that full financial support may return but not for 2004. That's one of the reasons we have already started to negotiate with companies which have expressed an interest in helping us develop our youth to their fullest potential."

Among the squads for which the BLTA are seeking financial support are the senior and junior (16 & Under) Davis and Fed Cup units as well as their team for the ITF Caribbean 14 and Under Developmental Championships.

"Next year will be the busiest year in the history of the BLTA. It's going to be a tremendous year and we're preparing for it from now," said Lambert, just back from the ITF's annual general meeting in Brazil.

The president pointed out that Bermuda's two victories in their Davis Cup division as well as respectable showings in the Fed Cup and the 14 and Under tournament - being ranked third among Caribbean juniors for two consecutive years - has proven there is talent here and the BLTA are looking to capitalise on that.

"We spoke with the president and vice-president of the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Alan Swartz and Franklin Johnson about structuring different programmes where our juniors would be able to compete in the USA and also some of the top American juniors would frequent our tournaments.

"This would give all of our players an opportunity to face varied opponents, different levels of competition.

"The USA has quite a few good players on the ATP and WTA circuits and those players didn't get there by accident. There are very strong programmes in the USA and the USTA are very interested in working with us," said the president.

"There's obviously a lot of talent on the Island. Our juniors are just as gifted as other juniors from around the world. Our handicap is that our juniors must travel to get exposure. That's no secret.

"We are out there working hard. We are in negotiations right now with companies which are potential sponsors and which have expressed an interest in tennis. We hope we will be successful in securing sponsors for all of these teams."

Lambert also disclosed that Bermuda was seriously considering joining the Veterans Circuit which has divisions from 35 and Over to 85 and Over.