Jamaica U-17 Plays the World Champions, Mexico Feb-14 & 16 in Jamaica

Jamaica’s first Qualification

In 1999 the Jamaican National Under-17 team qualified along with Mexico and the USA from CONCACAF to the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in New Zealand. Jamaica exited in the first round while Mexico was knocked out in the quarter finals by the USA (who went on to finish fourth (4^th). Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley of the USA were named among the FIFA Rising Stars from the tournament. 

Back then, El Salvador and Jamaica were the host nations for the final stage of qualification. Jamaica was placed in Group A along with USA, Costa Rica and Honduras. The young Reggae Boyz topped the group by defeating Honduras and Costa Rica and playing to a goalless draw with USA.

Mexico’s dominance over the years

Mexico has traditionally performed well at this level. They hold an impressive record at the final stage of qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cups. This final stage of qualification differs in format now than a few years ago. Since 1999 CONCACAF has used zonal qualifications to determine which teams enter the FIFA World Cup stage. In former years the tournament played via knockout qualification and crowned one champion.

The CONCACAF U-17 Tournament started in 1983 and Mexico won four (4) of the eight (8) tournaments. Mexico’s dominance in CONCACAF at this level is also affirmed by their qualification the FIFA U-17 World Cup nine (9) times, failing to qualify only (3) times.

The 2007 Match-Ups

The 2007 CONCACAF U-17 tournament will be hosted in Honduras and Jamaica. Group A will be played in Honduras and is completed by Mexico Haiti and El Salvador. Group B features Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica (hosts), Trinidad & Tobago and the USA. The top two teams from Group A along with the top three from Group B will qualify to the 2007 FIFA World Cup in South Korea in August. 

Jamaica’s Preparation to date

The National U-17 Team has been quite active since 2006. The U-17 team has had the most practice games of all the Jamaican National teams, three (3) international friendly games and ten (10) friendly games against local U-19 school teams such a Norman Manley High, Bridgeport Technical High, Frome Technical High and Godfrey Stewart Technical High among others. Additionally, the team began its qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Mr. David Hunt was appointed as Coach in February.

 In preparation for its participation in the qualifying CONCACAF tournament, the National Under-17 team has organised a two game international friendly series against the current world champions, Mexico on February 14 & 16 here in Jamaica.

A team such as Mexico that has a history of dominance at this youth level within the region will provide the Jamaicans with worthwhile international experience ahead of the CONCACAF tournament in April.

Jamaica drew 0 – 0 with Mexico in the first round of the 2006 Caribbean Football Union U-16 Tournament in Trinidad in August. Jamaica finished fourth behind the hosts Trinidad while Mexico won the tournament after defeating Haiti 3 – 0 in the finals.

Jamaicans let’s rally and give support

Let us then give the Jamaican National U-17 team all the support as they prepare to compete April 21-29.