Former Reggae Boyz midfielder Rodolph Austin has been elevated to head coach of Jamaica’s National Under-20 Men’s team, leading a refreshed technical line-up announced by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) as it intensifies preparations for a busy 2026 youth cycle.

Austin, currently at the helm of Portmore United in the Jamaica Premier League, steps into the top U20 role after serving as assistant coach since 2023. The 40-year-old will be supported by veteran tactician Wendell Downswell, who transitions into the head coach position for the Under-17 Boys team.

Downswell, one of Jamaica’s most accomplished youth coaches, brings decades of experience—including World Cup stints with the U17 squads in 1999 and 2011, and the U20 group at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Cup. His U17 technical staff includes Kingston College Manning Cup coach Vassell Reynolds, Carlton Simmonds and Altimont “Freddie” Butler.

Reynolds will continue to serve across several age groups within the programme. He remains assistant coach of the Under-15 Boys team under Andrew Peart, who guided Jamaica to the 2024 CFU U14 Challenge Series title and the 2025 Concacaf U15 Championship League B crown. Reynolds will also lead the Under-14 Boys Team, assisted by Lewin Purser.

On the women’s side, Leacroft Lettman retains his role as head coach of the National Under-20 Women’s team, supported by the fast-rising Tamera Williams. Williams, who recently led Jamaica to a semi-final finish at the CFU Girls U14 Challenge Series in Trinidad and Tobago, will remain head coach of the U14 Girls while taking on the additional responsibility of guiding the National Under-15 Girls team.

Former Reggae Girl and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad member Sashana Campbell has been appointed Williams’ assistant and will also serve as Assistant Coach of the Under-17 Girlz, led by Marlon Hylton.

Acting General Secretary Roy Simpson said the appointments signal the federation’s continued emphasis on building depth, stability and long-term success within its youth structures.

“Our quality of coaches continues to grow and improve in Jamaica,” Simpson said. “We have seen a number of our youth national teams win silverware or medals in regional competitions in recent years, and this is exactly what we aim to continue. With CFU and Concacaf tournaments ahead, organizing our technical staff early will help prepare us for even more success.”

The updated coaching roster comes as several national youth squads begin gearing up for a demanding 2026 cycle, with regional championships, qualification tournaments and talent identification phases already on the horizon.