JFF boss promises full backing for U20 and U17 squads

Despite the financial setback from not qualifying for the 2026 senior men’s World Cup, currently going on in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts says every effort is being made to ensure that the Under-17 and Under-20 Reggae Boyz get the best possible preparations going into their respective tournaments.

The U17s, led by head coach Wendell Downswell, are preparing for the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November, and the U20s, headed by Rodolph Austin, are going into their final round of qualification in Mexico from July 25 to August 9.

In a recent report, Austin lamented the lack of international practice games for his team heading into the qualifiers due to the financial constraints of the federation and said that they would have to look to local Premier League teams as a substitute.

Ricketts admitted that the organisation is strapped for cash but said that no effort was being spared as they look to ensure that the young Boyz are properly prepared for the next assignments.

“We are in the process of winding down preparations. The U20 team leaves on July 23, and we will be in Mexico for the final stage of the qualification.

“We lost out on World Cup qualification, which means we are struggling financially right now because we invested heavily in the qualification process.

“Nevertheless, we are trying to weather the storm. We are having some discussions with SDF (Sports Development Foundation) for the U20s going into Mexico for the final round of qualification, and we are hopeful.

“We also had discussions with Minister (of sports, Olivia) Grange just days ago. We are hoping for some support for the U20s as the ultimate aim is to qualify,” he said.

While the U20s will go into their qualifiers without an international friendly under their belts, Ricketts revealed that the U17s are more fortunate as they are currently working on getting that team a pair of games in Costa Rica as well as a few matches in New York before they fly off to the tournament in November.

“The U17s have already qualified (World Cup). We are trying to get a series of games in Costa Rica, and we have already started those discussions.

“Once we can conclude on that, the U17s will go to Costa Rica for two games. We are also having some discussions to have some games in New York as well in August,” he disclosed.

Despite the struggles, Ricketts is confident the coaching staff will see the U20s across the finish line.

“Yes. No question about that. We have a very good set of youngsters and a very decent coaching staff. In eight years, we have qualified three times for global tournaments, and we are looking forward to another two to three teams qualifying.

He also made special mention of Carlton Palmer and Omar McFarlane, two individuals who have given invaluable financial support to the youth programmes.

“Without these two gentlemen, we would have struggled immensely. They have given a lot of support, and we are just hoping that we will get some positive rewards,” he added.