The Bermuda Lacrosse Association hopes to use the 2008 ILF Under-19 World Lacrosse Championship as a springboard to garner greater interest in the sport among Island youngsters.

For the first time the BLA will be participating in the tournament to be held in British Columbia, Canada, in July after being urged to participate by the International Lacrosse Federation (ILF). In their group they will face Spain, Finland, Germany and Latvia.

Spokesman Michael Totman believes the championships will mark another step in the development of lacrosse in Bermuda, but conceded there was a dearth of Bermudians playing the game.

"Taking part in these championships will help jump-start our youth development," he said. "At the moment we've a core of about ten players at Under-19 age group, but need about eight to ten more.

"Most of the squad are at college in the US or Canada but usually their vacations fall at the same time so we're able to get them on the Island together. They represent their colleges at lacrosse so it's not like they don't play when they are away.

"When it comes to the big tournaments we can usually generate enough players - but we're really trying to get more youngsters in Bermuda involved.

"There are a number of scholarship opportunities available from US and Canadian universities and the BLA can assist with athletic and academic goals - that's one incentive."

Bermuda men's team competed in the World Championships in Ontario, Canada, last year and will be representing the Island at the European Championships in Finland in August 2008.

Earlier this month the fledging organisation, which has been affiliated to the ILF for two-years, returned home from the RILAX Ocean Classic lacrosse tournament, in Newport, Canada, with their first win in an international competition against host's Rhode Runners. The competition saw the team record a win, two losses and one tie.

In October the association will be having their semi-annual Tri-Nations tournament against the US and Canada.

Mr Totman added: "We take the team and separate players based on their country of origin and hold a three-team tournament between Bermuda, USA, and Canada.

"The US has won the last two events, most recently in March 2007, but Bermuda has recruited some top talent since then and is looking to capture their first win in our homegrown bragging rights tournament.

"More information will be forthcoming with specific dates and locations. This is a great opportunity for Bermudians to come check out the sport and for young students to get involved. "

Anyone wishing to learn the game as well as experienced lacrosse players can contact BermudaLacrosse@Yahoo.com for more details.

Practice sessions take place on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 9.30 a.m. at Gym field, Devonshire, opposite the National Stadium. All equipment will be supplied.