Kimale Evans, the Bermuda Netball Association president, is optimistic that the island’s national team can reap the benefit from the hard work that has been put into preparation for the Netball Europe Invitational, which starts on Thursday in Aberdeen, Scotland.

“Everyone is extremely excited and feel they have put in the hard work and are ready to go and compete,” said Evans, on the eve of the team’s departure for Scotland today.

“The camaraderie of the team is very high and they are really buying in to what the Bermuda Netball Association is trying to do with this programme and there’s a lot of excitement.”

Bermuda’s main objective at the tournament is to begin the process of regaining a world ranking.

Team Bermuda is comprised of Dominique Richardson, the captain, Karlandra Smith, the vice-captain, Arkeita Fubler, Asante Chapman, Ayanna Wolffe, Danielle Raynor, Demiqua Daniels, Inshannae Smith, Jahtuere Trott, Micah Pond, Talia Lucas and Zariah Amory. Zakiyah Durham and Zekiah Lewis have been chosen as alternates.

“The team has a good balance of seniority and youth and I think we should fare well,” Evans said.

Accompanying the squad are Ilze Gideons, the head coach, Anthony Mouchette, the assistant coach, and Gina Benjamin who has been appointed as manager.

Bermuda will play against Israel, Gibraltar and Ireland in a round-robin format.

Evans said the coaching staff have done their homework on the island’s opponents.

“The coaches have been going online and looking at the calibre of play and style and I think based on that we think we will definitely be able to compete and looking to at least come in the top two,” she added.

The island will face Isreal in their opening match on Friday in what will be the first of two meetings between the two countries.

Bermuda were awarded an extra game against Israel as compensation after Switzerland withdrew from the tournament.