Coach Tariq Simons is thrilled to take charge of Bermuda’s under-14 tennis team at the ITF World Junior Championships, which gets under way in El Salvador on Monday.

In his maiden assignment as coach of a national team, Simons returns to the place where he made his debut in the Junior Davis Cup as he presides over a squad made up of Dexter Snaith, Jaden Jones and Chase McCrimmon.

“I am very excited to be taking my first under-14 team to El Salvador, the place where I played my first competition representing Bermuda, especially with the team I have,’’ Simons said.

“A group of boys who have been under my guidance at Manders Tennis Management with Gavin [Manders] for the better part of the last three years and Dexter who has been in New York keeping the vibe going. I love it because it’s a strong team.

“Usually, Bermuda teams are close-knit in terms of relationships and team chemistry, so I’m glad to have another team that fits that mould.

“We are like a family, so we’re going to go out and compete against the strong competition as a family and hopefully come back with some superb results.”

Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association president Michael Wolfe expressed his confidence in the youngsters chosen to represent the island.

“We are excited for this under-14 team to be representing Bermuda,’’ he said.

“It is made up of experienced and new players in this age group. While we expect it to be a challenge for our players. this is the exposure they need to progress and I am sure they will meet the challenge head on.

“We are also pleased to have Tariq Simons coaching his first international team. This represents one of the BLTA goals, which is to see a progression for our certified coaches to take on bigger roles in Bermuda tennis.”

Ricky Mallory, the BLTA national tennis director, believes Snaith and Jones have a lot to offer.

“With Jaden Jones and Dexter Snaith having played in this event last year they know what to expect as it relates to the level of competition,’’ Mallory said.

“With newcomer Chase McCrimmon coming into the fold, he will be able to obtain valuable insight as to what to expect.

“It’s good to see these three juniors who have also come through the BLTA developmental programme receiving coaching from the top coaches on the island, mature and advance to the next level.

“From a coaching perspective I couldn’t be prouder of our young coach Tariq Simons. I actually coached Tariq on his first trip representing Bermuda in Junior Davis Cup In El Salvador.

“To see his love of the sport of tennis and seeing him come full circle from a player to a coach, giving back to our juniors, shows the impact tennis plays within our community.”