Arnold Manders, the Bermuda under-19 cricket coach, says they are looking to the future with the squad selected for next month’s ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas Qualifier in Canada.

“It's a relatively young team,’’ said Manders.

“Of the 14 selected, only three will be ineligible for the next qualifiers but the bulk of the squad should be available.”

Manders feels his side may be underprepared because of disruptions caused by the rain, which has seen the side struggle to fulfil fixtures in the build-up to the tournament.

“The preparation has not been too good as far as them playing matches,’’ he said.

“They haven't played as many matches because of the rain. They have been training three times a week at Somerset and Somerset Bridge on the centre wicket doing match scenarios.

With the team facing the US and Canada in the tournament, Manders admits he does not know whether the ability of his players stacks up against their opponents.

“Cricket is a funny game and we are probably going to be the underdogs because we are young,” Manders said.

Canada and the US have older boys and we are a young team and still learning, but I expect them to be competitive. The goal was to prepare this team to be able to play well and be ready for the next one but you never know, we have been doing some work on playing spin because that's probably what they will be facing.”

All-rounder Zakao Hart, of Bailey’s Bay, will be the captain and will lead some exciting young talent who have played well for their respective clubs in the BCB 50 overs Premier Division.

Pace bowlers Luke Horan and Luke Fulton were outstanding for Warwick Workmen’s Club, who have six players in the under-19 squad. Fulton took thirteen wickets for a Warwick team that was relegated from the top league.

Sa-Qui Robinson also got considerable game time at St David’s.

Keiron Richardson, Keegan Jones and Zeri Tomlinson played some cricket in England before joining up with the rest of the squad on the island while Terron Webb is linking up with the team in Canada from St Kitts.

Bermuda will take on Argentina, Canada, United States and Suriname from August 11 to 17 as they try to qualify for next year’s tournament in Sri Lanka.

Assistant coach Janeiro Tucker will still be involved in Cup Match as one of the Somerset coaches when they face St George’s at Wellington Oval on August 3 and 4, with the junior team departing the day after the end of the two-day clash.

Tucker has been taking care of the squad in the absence of Manders, who is attending an ICC conference in South Africa.