Bermuda’s Under-16 netball squad will be looking to make further inroads at this month’s Jean Pierre Tournament in Barbados.

Bermuda came third in the developmental category at last year’s event and are now keen to improve on that impressive showing.

Of the 12 players chosen, five are making their tournament debuts.

“We are carrying seven girls that played in the tournament last year,” Kimale Evans, the under-16 coach, said.

“We are carrying 12 players of which five are newbies and the one of the newbies went as a variable last year.

“So technically we have eight that attended the tournament last year who are aware of the calibre that we are going to be playing at, and the players are eager and ready to go for sure.”

Bermuda will be led by new captain Zariah Amory, who Evans is confident will be equal to the task.

“I’m very confident because she was our vice-captain last year, so I think she will do just fine.”

Amory takes over the leadership of the team in the absence of former captain Amali Smith who has aged out.

Bermuda will be up against Jamaica, Trinidad, St Lucia and Barbados during the round-robin tournament to be held from March 31 to April 9.

Evans said playing in such events helps to broaden her players’ horizons. “It opens their eyes because what we play here in Bermuda is minor in comparison to on the world stage,” she said. “It gives them a better understanding to where netball is on a worldwide scale.

“Bermuda is a bit behind the times and we are doing our best within the Bermuda Netball Association to raise the level of play for all the clubs.

“So to actually participate in it makes them realise that they have to work that much harder in order to compete with these teams and it gives them something to strive for.”

Bermuda’s Under-16 squad leave the island for Barbados tomorrow.