Richard Todd, the National Academy director, yesterday expressed optimism over Bermuda’s chances of advancing from the first stage of the Caribbean Football Union Under-17 World Cup qualifiers in Bahamas next week.

Bermuda have been pitted in group 4 along with Puerto Rico, Martinique and hosts Bahamas.

The top teams from each group and the best two second-placed teams will advance to the final round of qualifiers to be held at a venue and date yet to be determined.

Bermuda will face hosts Bahamas in their opening group match at the Roscow RL Davies Stadium next Wednesday before taking on Puerto Rico on July 25 and Martinique on July 27.

Bermuda’s squad boasts a number of promising players who, despite their tender age, have plenty of international experience under their belts.

“We are very realistic and feel pleased about the preparations with this group,” Todd said.

“They have had the benefit over the past two years of a number of outgoing tours with the National Academy as well as the opportunity to participate in the Concacaf Under-15s last year.

“For the coaches and the players this has provided we think valuable experience so realistically we are looking for the opportunity to advance from the group into the next round.

“But that is not to say we will overlook anybody, and I would imagine that Puerto Rico would probably be our toughest opponent within that group.”

Bermuda’s 20-man squad includes several overseas based players such as Judah Chapman, of AFC Wimbledon.

“This group really has the benefit of having gelled so when you watch them play it is quite clear with regards to style of play,” Todd said.

“So in that sense, I would say they are better prepared than our under-20s that went into the recent qualifiers.”

Accompanying the team in the Caribbean is Uefa A licensed coach and former Everton and Liverpool youth player, Andrew Donnery, who has been tasked with providing scouting reports on Bermuda’s opponents and assisting head coach Andrew Bascome and his assistants with match day strategies.

“Andrew’s addition, we think, will help to enhance,” Todd said. “He is certainly going to provide great support for us with regards to scouting of the opposition and development of strategies and players and offering feedback to the coaching staff based on his experience.”

At the conclusion of the Under-17 World Cup first round qualifiers, Bermuda’s squad will travel to Mexico to participate in the Copa Mexico de Naciones.

The Island were invited to take part as a result of their impressive showing at last year’s Concacaf Under-15 tournament in the Cayman Islands.

Bermuda have been drawn in group D with Columbia, Portugal and Chile.

Bermuda will take on Chile in their opening match on August 2 before facing Portugal and Columbia on August 3 and 4.

“Mexico is going to be a great experience and hopefully will only enhance their preparations for the second round (Under-17 World Cup qualifiers),” Todd said. “But right now the team and coaching staff are fully focused on Bahamas, Martinque and Puerto Rico.”

Bermuda’s Under-17s depart for Bahamas next Monday.