Bermuda and regional rivals Trinidad and Tobago have been grouped together following the draw for the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships (WYNC) at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena earlier this month.

The pair have been placed in Group B along with New Zealand, Northern Ireland and Malta.

Hosts Scotland have been placed in Group C that includes netball powerhouse Jamaica.

The draw was held April 11 with International Netball Federation president Molly Rhone among those involved in the proceedings.

The 2013 World Youth Netball Championships, involving players at the under -21 level, will take place August 22-31.

Bermuda Netball Association (BNA) president, Tracey Sharrieff, said the Island’s preparations for the upcoming tournament are going along smoothly under the direction of coaches Anthony Mouchette and Gina Benjamin.

“Fitness levels are on the rise as professional fitness services (Ashlan Clinic) were hired in the initial stages of training,” she said. “We hope to continue with these services, if budget allows.

“Some players are studying overseas and we anticipate they will be home soon for training and consideration in the selection which will probably take place end of May, first two weeks in June.”

Some of the players expected to fly Bermuda’s banner in Scotland this summer will get useful match practice against Canada who have agreed to travel to the Island in July to play three matches against the senior national team.

“The senior national team will be playing Canada with the expected inclusion of a few of the under-21 players who have the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience in preparation for the World Youth Netball Championships,” Sharrieff said. “They will get to see international umpiring standards and an experienced international team in action.”

Canada’s tour of the Island will help compensate for the cancellation of this year’s Jean Pierre Netball Youth Championships in terms of Bermuda’s World Youth Netball Championships preparations. Sharrieff said the regional tournament was scrapped this year “due to low numbers”.

“Most countries are preparing for Glasgow,” she added.

Bermuda will play against Canada on July 28, 29 and 30 at a venue yet to be determined.

The series will enable Bermuda to maintain its current (28th) world ranking.

“Canada is currently ranked 21st in the world and like us have to maintain their ranking by playing one or more international matches per year,” Sharrieff said. “And the next Americas Federation of Netball Association’s (AFNA) Championships are not until 2014 because they are hosted every other year.”