A 20-member under 18 Reggae Boyz squad has been named by the Jamaica Football Federation, that will represent Jamaica at the upcoming UEFA Under 18 Friendship Tournament which will be held in Turkey starting this weekend.
The team to be led by head coach Lenworth Hyde includes Cavalier quartet Lloyd Smith, Matthew Ellis, Odane Wilberforce and Keyanni Jackson, Chapelton Maroons trio Deandre Gallimore, O’neil Headley and Orane watson along with Alex James and Nashardo Gibbs of Real Mona.
Also called up are Jordane Mcdowell (Portmore United), Javin Williams (Reno), Taywane Lynch (Mt. Pleasant), Dunstin Cohen (Vere United), Nashon Bolt (Arnett Gardens) Ron Webb (FC Manchester), Ja-son Whyte (Humble Lion) and Dantae Escoffery (Petersfield FC).
The squad is completed by three unattached players in Daniel Clarke, Justin McPherson and Dyllan John.
The UEFA Friendship Tournament, which is a new initiative, is aimed at creating opportunities for talented young players to gain additional experience playing international football against teams from different Confederations.
The upcoming pilot under 18 men’s edition is being hosted by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) at the Sense De Luxe Hotel and sports complex in Side near Antalya, bringing together 8 national teams from 5 different confederations: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and UEFA.
Jamaica has been drawn in Group A alongside Mali, Saudi Arabia and Turkey while Group B comprises Ecuador, Guatemala, Morocco and Slovakia.
The young Reggae Boyz will first tackle Saudi Arabia on April 22, Turkey on April 24 and Mali on April 27 with cross zone games being played on April 30.
The Jamaican delegation is scheduled to depart on April 19 and return on May 1.
STAFF
Lenworth Hyde Head Coach
Rodolph Austin Ass. Coach
Andrew Sewell GK Coach
Tyrese Palmer Equipment Manager
Karen Clarke-Lumsden Manager
Edmund Regis Team Doctor
Wendell Downswell Technical Director
Gregory Daley HOD