Bermuda lacrosse has been given an international boost following an article in the sport's leading magazine, Inside Lacrosse (IL).

The Bermuda Barracudas debuted as an International Lacrosse Federation affiliate at the 2006 World Games in London, Ontario.

The feature, which included how the game came about on local soil, has raised eyebrows outside of Bermuda with fans and players amazed at how a tiny country can play so many sports including a game that is played predominantly in North America.

IL Magazine, the sport's leading media outlet, works closely with ESPN to cover lacrosse.

Each year IL produces two individual one-hour programmes covering the world of lacrosse which air on ESPN and ESPN2, two stations that are available in Bermuda.

The Bermuda Lacrosse Association (BLA) will be sending a delegation to NCAA Division One championship games which will be live on air, May 24-26, from Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution.

The BLA, in conjunction with the Bermuda Department of Tourism, will be hosting two reporters from the magazine in June to cover lacrosse in Bermuda and the local King of the Rock Tournament from June 14-15.

The reporters will attend local training camps in June.

Meanwhile, the Island will also be sending a team of Bermudian students to the 2008 International Lacrosse Federation's Under-19 World Championships in British Columbia from July 3-12.

Michael Totman, president of the BLA and coach of the Barracudas, said he was pleased with the response to the sport on the Island since its inception in 2002.

"Lacrosse is slowly grabbing hold in Bermuda. This year we have seen a girls' club form at BHS independently from our organisation, as well as a women's team with over 30 participants, many learning the sport for the first time," said Totman.

"One of the women's volunteer coaches is a former NCAA assistant coach from Wesleyan University in Connecticut who is now living in Bermuda.

"Along with our Under-19 boys' team we are gaining attention in a positive way for Bermuda throughout the international lacrosse community."

Lacrosse fanatics claim it is the fastest growing sport at the youth level in North America and is picking up pace internationally as well.

"Each year new NCAA programmes appear and this is a great opportunity for Bermudian students to earn an athletic scholarship to attend university," added Totman.