The Tribune

SIMONE Pratt has been named to an ITF/Grand Slam junior touring team slated to compete in a series of junior tournaments in Costa Rica and South America next month. Players who perform well at these regional circuits are invited to join an international touring team. The team is part of the ITF Development Programme, which is financed by the ITF and the Grand Slam Development Fund (GSDF). The team will be coached by Guillermo Stevens of Mexico. Here is the schedule: January 2-7 - Copa del Cafe, San Jose, Costa Rica January 9-14 in Caracas, Venezuela January 16-21 in Barranquilla, Colombia January 23-28 in Manta, Ecuador The ITF/Grand Slam touring team programme aims to facilitate the transition of talented players through regional and international competitions and onto the professional ranks. Said Francesco Ricci Bitti, president of the International Tennis Federation: "We are delighted to be able to direct these funds specifically towards the development of competitive tennis and deeply appreciate that the Grand Slam nations are in a position to support our programme. "It is fitting that these great tournaments, which are showcases of our sport and provide stability for the professional game, are able to help by some tangible means to extend the competitive frontiers of tennis." For further information on the ITF Development Programme and the Grand Slam Development Fund, visit www.itftennis.com