juniors.

The arrival of Frank Couraud, the Caribbean's development officer for the International Tennis Federation (ITF), could well signal the dawn of a new era as he's due to meet and discuss with Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association officials the instituting of new youth programmes.

On the immediate horizon is the formation of a schools programme, which could begin as early as September.

Also on the agenda is the involvement of more of the Island's youth players in overseas competitions and it is in this area that Couraud is expected to play a pivotal role, assessing talent and offering recommendations on which overseas tournaments local youngsters would benefit from.

Next week will see Couraud working with some of the youngsters and coaches, developing new plans.

BLTA president David Lambert was yesterday upbeat regarding the visit by the highly respected Couraud.

"Having someone of the stature of Frank Couraud is a big deal and his word of recommendation carries a lot of weight,'' said Lambert.

"The BLTA and ITF are moving to get the younger players exposed early and as much as possible.

"Every one of our young players are worked up and eager to do the best they can, because from here there is no limit as to where they can go.'' Among those to receive special attention from Couraud is top junior Jenson Bascome, fresh from a victory in the final of the Pomander Gate Junior Tournament, which added to the Men's B title he captured last month at the same venue.

Others include Daniel Miller, Kevin Richards, Quinton Burgess, Craig Bean and Andrew Simons, while leading young females Danielle Paynter, Rochee Douglas, Tara Lambert, Melissa Henry, Crystal Lambert, Amy Roache and Sasha Fisher likewise will receive invaluable instruction.

"We're looking at the future and trying to give every opportunity to the youth in order to protect and enhance the future of tennis in Bermuda,'' continued the president.

Today sees a drill competition taking place at noon, which will have the majority of the tennis coaches from the Pros Association showcasing their upcoming juniors. They will be judged by a group of senior tennis players who have contributed to the game over the years.

In fact, this weekend promises much, with an array of local and international senior Davis Cup players on display at the Tennis Stadium in the second annual Shell Tennis Challenge, which starts today and finishes tomorrow.

Professionals from Panama, Puerto Rico and South Africa, along with Bermuda's best male players -- Michael Way, Ricky Mallory, James Collieson and Steve Bean -- are all set to compete in the event that will also serve as a memorial for the late Billy Way, who died tragically almost two weeks ago when he was struck by a taxicab in New York.

Tributes to the former tennis star will be offered on Sunday.

Action starts at 2.10 p.m. today with two singles matches scheduled for the afternoon.

Sunday begins with the introduction of the Bermuda ITF 14 and Under squad, Bermuda Federation Cup squad, the Panama Davis Cup side and, finally, the Bermuda Davis Cup team.

To follow are two singles matches and one doubles match.

A prize presentation will conclude the day.

FOCUS ON YOUTH -- International Tennis Federation Caribbean Development Officer, Frank Couraud (front row centre) poses with newly-crowned champions of the Pomander Gate junior tournament. Front row (left to right) Sasha Fisher, Couraud, Zarah DeSilva; second row, Danielle Paynter, Gavin Manders, Jenson Bascome; top, Craig Bean.