The Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) announced the Boys 14 and Under Tennis team that will proudly represent Bermuda at the upcoming ITF World Junior Team Competition in Santa Tecla, El Salvador.
The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to take place March 4th to March 9th, showcasing young tennis talents from around the globe.
Team roster consists of the following: Dexter Snaith, Jaden Jones, Chase McCrimmon, and Tariq Simons (Coach)
Coach Tariq Simons expressed his excitement, stating, “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. A group of boys who have been under my guidance at MTM with Gavin Manders for the better part of the last three years and Snaith 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 mold. 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.”
BLTA President Michael Wolfe shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited for this U14 team to be representing Bermuda. 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.”
The team is set to arrive in Santa Tecla, El Salvador on March 2nd, with the first match set to take place on March 4th at the Federacion Salvadorena de Tenis. The tournament will feature eighteen different nations, including Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Bermuda, and others. All participating teams will be accommodated at the Hotel Indes.
Ricky Mallory, the National Tennis Director, said, “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. 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 Program 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.”
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