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The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is doing everything possible to ensure that the regional team is adequately prepared for the third World Youth Cup in Sri Lanka early next year.

Speaking to Nationsport yesterday, Reg Scarlett, the WICB's director of coaching, said it was of paramount importance that the players be fit mentally and physically as they face the major challenge ahead.

``Preparation is the key and the WICB is doing everything to make sure the team is well equipped,'' he said during a training session at Kensington Oval yesterday.

``This camp here will serve as part of a gradual lead-up to the tournament and we will also have two other camps at the cricket facility in Antigua.''

Scarlett, a former Jamaica and West Indies slow bowler who coached for many years in England and also had a stint in South Africa, said that at youth level the West Indies was on par with all the other international teams, but a lack of resources and technology had hampered the region's development.

In the inaugural Youth World Cup in Australia in 1988, the West Indies, led by Brian Lara, reached the semifinals, but two years ago they failed to make an impression. They were beaten by Zimbabwe when the competition was staged in South Africa.

The 15-man squad selected for the trip to Sri Lanka and five reserves will be under the watchful eye of Scarlett, Gus Logie, the WICB appointed junior coach, Barbados coach William Bourne, and Ronald Rogers, a physical trainer from Trinidad.

The team was selected after the recent Nortel Networks Under-19 three-day and limited overs competitions, which were held in Barbados.

Ryan Hinds, the captain, is one of two players with first-class experience. The other is vice-captain Marlon Samuels of Jamaica and they are the only players who competed in the last World Cup.

Already there is evidence that the players have gelled well together, sharing light-hearted moments as they went through an intense routine conducted by Logie.

Yesterday they dealt with the proper techniques of throwing and running between the wickets. Later this week, they are also expected to get into more rigorous batting and bowling practices and get advice on injury-prevention and start on a fitness and muscle-building programme designed by the WICB.

Scarlett added that this week the players will also benefit from lectures on stress management, mental preparation, diet and nutrition, general etiquette, and care of the feet. Among the speakers are former West Indies greats Wes Hall and Sir Conrad Hunte.

``Care of the feet is an important area and one the we often overlook. It is not funny at all,'' said Scarlett, stressing that it was vitally important especially for fast bowlers, who will have to play in very dry, hard conditions in Asia.

``The players will be told about wearing the correct shoes, cutting their nails, selecting the correct shoes and socks among other areas.''

At the final camp in Antigua, he said, the players would be educated about the lifestyle in Sri Lanka with the main focus on the political situation and the vast difference in culture.