Coach Mark Trott believes his under-17 side can go a step further this year and make the final of the International Youth Tournament which begins on Sunday.

Trott, coach of First Division Dandy Town and an integral part of the national senior squad set-up, believes the youngsters, who won the consolation final against FC Porto 12 months ago, are better prepared mentally to take on the challenge from overseas.

"I believe there is a chance of winning the tournament this year, because the mental side is much better,'' he said.

"The players know now when they go to a match not to be influenced by the crowd. They're going to have their parents, their brothers, their uncles and cousins all telling them what to, but regardless of that they know we have a plan, we have a system and we have tactics and they should only be listening to their team-mates or their coach.'' There will be no Porto this year -- their place has been filled by Barbados after a few frantic last minute phone calls -- but reigning champs the USA, who Bermuda beat in their opening game of the round-robin last year are back, along with the youth team from Scotland's Glasgow Rangers.

"We tried to get Arsenal in the first place and that didn't pan out,'' said John Beard who, along with Larry Mussenden and BFA general secretary David Sabir, is organising the tournament. "Then we tried to get Cayman as part of the Under-17 World Cup package and that seemed fine until they pulled out.

Then the Bahamas were due to come and that was all signed and sealed but they couldn't get a coach at the last minute.

"So we did some hectic work and managed to get Barbados. They were looking for somewhere, so with some hard work from our end and with help from the airlines we managed to make it up.'' There is also a change of venue for the tournament. Because of track resurfacing work at the National Stadium, all the matches this year will be held at BAA Field.

It all kicks off with opening ceremonies at 6.00 p.m. before Barbados take on Rangers in the opening match. Bermuda meet the US at 8.30 p.m.

The US bounced back from their opening 4-1 loss to the Scottish team to beat them 3-2 in an exciting final last year. The tournament will follow the same format with the top two teams after the round robin advancing to next Friday's final. Double-headers are also scheduled for Monday and Wednesday at 6.00 p.m.

and 8.00 p.m.

Sponsorship from the Bank of Bermuda has helped the continuation of the event, forming part of their five-year plan to help the national youth team.

Said Sabir: "We are grateful once again for the Bank of Bermuda's generous support which allows our national youth team to compete internationally.'' Alan Richardson, senior vice president, Retail Clients, at the Bank of Bermuda and a former national junior and senior team member is also pleased with the arrangement.

"We are delighted to be sponsoring this international event which brings a large part of our community together,'' said Richardson. "The programme, which challenges the players both mentally and physically, is also an excellent opportunity for our youth.''