Five of the Island’s promising tennis players are set to gain valuable exposure on the international scene.Saltus students Ben Lines and Luke Sterling, Sandys Middle School’s Evan Heyliger, Bermuda High School for Girls’ (BHS) Lauren Way and Warwick Academy’s Kaylah Ming will fly the Island’s banner at next week’s World Junior Tennis competition in the Dominican Republic.The occasion will mark the youngsters’ first appearance at the developmental tournament reserved for players aged 14 and under. And national coach Steve Bean believes the experience playing at that level will bode well for each team member’s development.“It’s a developmental tournament which means that unlike a knockout tournament where you can lose in the first round and not play anymore this format allows you to play everyday,” the former Somerset Trojans footballer said. “Even if you lose you are still playing every day and that’s the beautiful part of a developmental tournament.“These guys are young but we certainly hope that they can do extremely well because we’ve done well in the Caribbean before with the likes of Tyler (Smith) who has been number one in the Under 14. Chris Rego has also done extremely well along with others before him.“We are taking a young team and nobody has been to this tournament before so it will be their first time. We are using this tournament as a stepping stone for Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup. But if somebody in the group can make it to the main draw we will be happy with that.”Those chosen to represent Bermuda at the upcoming event to be held March 11-16 were done so based on their results from the past year with the exception of Heyliger who had to play Saltus student Tafari Trott in a challenge match to decide the final place in the squad.The team’s room and board has been paid for by the ITF with team members covering their own travel expenses.Coach Bean will be joined in the Dominican Republic by fellow coach and Bermuda Fed Cup and Island Games player Jackie Lambert, who will be keeping close tabs on female players Ming and Way who she says possess enormous potential.“I actually hit with them Saturday gone and these girls are good and will definitely be taking my place in a few years,” she said. “There’s just so much talent there and they are strong and easy to coach. I think they have a very good chance of doing well in the Dominican Republic.”For Lambert, the upcoming tour will be her first serving in a coaching capacity.“Usually I’m the player but this time I’m the coach so it’s very exciting because it’s my first time as coach,” she said. “It’s going to be different being on the other side of the team but I’m very excited.”Bermuda’s World Junior Tennis competition squad departs for the Dominican Republic via Miami on Saturday.