Torn between allegiance to himself, his students and the sport, Walter Burgess went with youth.

And this week, the long-time Island tennis instructor tried to put controversy behind him as he prepared to take Bermuda's under-14 team to the International Tennis Federation's Caribbean championships.

Rocked by a selection dispute that resulted in the resignation of Junior Development Programme officer Pat Pamplin, the team leaves on Friday for the one-week tournament in Martinique.

"All I can do is pick up the pieces and go along. If you don't, it only hurts your kids,'' said Burgess. "I've been teaching 25 years. I can't let a little thing like this affect me.'' Burgess became caught in the storm when the original three-player squad selected by he and Pamplin was vetoed by the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association's selection committee. Pamplin resigned and Burgess, who started the Junior Development Programme seven years ago, said he was ready to follow -- until he thought of the 60-odd youngsters he coaches.

"By throwing in the towel, what would they have thought about me?'' he asked.

"That would be sending the wrong signals. That would be telling them that if something doesn't go your way, it's okay to just pack it in.'' Burgess, guiding a Bermuda team to an international competition for the first time, called the BLTA's decision "a slap in the face,'' using the analogy of national soccer coach Clyde Best, who was able to select the final team that went to the Shell/Umbro tournament in Jamaica last month without interference from the Bermuda Football Association.

But Burgess also said he would continue to stand by the governing body of Island tennis.

"Water under the bridge,'' he said of the dispute.

And he's also standing by the team of Javon Whitter, Crystal Lambert and Philip Sousa, who he feels have a chance to pick up some wins in the Caribbean, allowing Bermuda to send a fourth player to next year's event.

This is only Bermuda's third appearance in the tournament. Two years ago, Danielle Paynter was the only representative; last year a three-player team took part.

"It's a good experience for them,'' said Burgess. "A real stepping stone.'' Lambert, 14, was on last year's squad, while Whitter, 11, and Sousa, 12, are two of several up-and-coming players in the local game. Whitter, who has won tournaments in the United States and is ranked by the USTA, was an easy choice for the team.

Not an easy one, apparently, was young phenom Zara DeSilva, who is making a good impression at the prestigious Saddlebrook Academy in Florida after only three months. "I'm disappointed Zara's not going (to Martinique),'' admitted Burgess.

The selection committee purportedly switched two of the original choices because last year's experience provided an indication of the opposing teams' strengths.

HEADING OUT -- Bermuda's under-14 tennis team leave on Friday for Martinique and the ITF Caribbean Championships. From left are Javon Whitter, coach Walter Burgess, Crystal Lambert and Philip Sousa.