Well aware of the daunting task ahead, Bermuda's netballers are starting their campaign for next year's World Championships almost a year in advance.

The challenge is two-fold as the Bermuda Netball Association (BNA) seeks to raise $35,000 to send the Island's 12 best players to the tournament in Jamaica with hopes of matching the top countries.

"We need to start this early. Our level of netball is nowhere near that of the top teams. Countries like Australia - who won at Commonwealth (Games) - and New Zealand will be there. It's going to be a really large tournament and since it's so close we can't pass it up. So we're trying to get the best of our best players," explained BNA secretary Stacy Grant, explaining why the recruitment drive is starting next month.

However, getting the initial 36 players invited to trials whittled down to a final squad of 12 by January could prove easier than raising money to fund the trip. Given that undertaking, Grant doubts there is any chance of Bermuda's squad having any pre-tournament tours for experience and to test their level of play internationally.

"We really don't have that type of finance at the moment. We don't have much money. We did get a grant from Government but we need a lot more money.

"We're trying to do everything out of pocket so we have to raise funds. We really have to get going and that's why we are starting so far in advance."

Following two days of trials - September 21 and 25 - at Bernard Park, a pool of 20 players will be selected to train for the national squad's 12 places.

"That 20 will train and we're hoping by the beginning of January it will be down to 12 because IFNL (the International Federation of Netball Limited) are requesting photos and information on our squad and that has to be in by February. So we need to have our squad by January," said Grant, noting the six-month period between picking the squad and the tournament will give players a chance to bond.

The following 36 players have been invited to national trials by the BNA:

September 21 at 6 p.m. - Alesha Brown, Bertha Liverpool, Bismillah Richardson, Carla Zuill, Kali Douglas, Michele Romaine, Tahirah Hill, Wolette Smith, Duan Leverock, Erika Russell, Cherie Manders, Danielle Raynor, Nikita Trott, Deborah DeShields, Jennifer Simmons, Karlandra Smith, Keisha Allen and Shantel DeShields.

September 25 at 6.30 p.m. - Sia Spence, Stacy O'Brien, Vivienne Moniz, Garena Walker, Gaynelle Pace, Nicole Hall, Paula Goodchild, Roydelle Robinson, Reeshemah Swan, Jamila Godwin, Gina Christopher, Marissa Wainwright, Arketa Smith, Nina Webb, Nicole Grant, Ebonie Burgess, Jimela Johnson and Jadirra Harvey.

Players are asked to note: Two matches will be played per day consisting of two 20-minute halves to gauge the individuals' skills. All invitees must wear white shirts and blue or black bottoms during the trials. They are also asked to contact Stacy Grant (799-0468) before September 12 to either:

Confirm your participation (be ready to list the position you play);

Confirm your participation and switch the date you are scheduled to play; or

Decline the invitation.

Players who fail to respond by the deadline will forfeit their invitation.