Four members of Jamaica Under-20 team stand for the playing of the National Anthem during a farewell treat hosted by the Jamaica Football Federation in Kingston yesterday. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

If the level of confidence being exuded is any indicator of their performance in the final round CONCACAF World Youth Championship qualifier, then Jamaica's participation in the final set for later this year in the Netherlands seems a mere formality.

Not only are the young Boyz brimming with confidence, but so too is head coach Wendell Downswell, who believes this set of players is arguably the "most talented" to have emerged at this level.

The Jamaicans, boasting four regulars in the new-look senior team, left the island yesterday for a one-week training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before journeying to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, next Monday for the four-team final round qualifier, which includes Mexico, Canada and the hosts.

The top two teams advance to the final of the FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, June 10 to July 2, 2005, where they will join the United States and Panama as the other CONCACAF representatives.

"They haven't produced anything yet, but I am very optimistic they will," claimed Downswell yesterday at a farewell treat for the squad hosted by the Jamaica Football Federation at its secretariat.

DOWNSWELL... The youngsters haven't produced anything yet, but I am very optimistic they will

"The impact created thus far was not by chance, but as a result of the vision and foresight of the JFF," said Downswell, in reminiscing on the impact the players have had since competing in a tournament in Germany last year.

"The challenge and the task won't be an easy one, but these youngsters, with the level of focus that they have, there is no doubt that they will do us proud," he said.

Downswell, who has been in charge of the squad for the past 18 months, declared that for Jamaica to continue its impact on the international stage, "this team must qualify for the World Youth Championship."

He added that he was "very confident" in the players' ability to prove equal to the task and "shape Jamaica's future as it relates to football".

While in the US, the Boyz will take on a Jamaican All Stars team today, before tackling the Haitian Under-23s on Saturday.

And team captain Jermaine Taylor, a cousin of senior Reggae Boy Fabian Taylor, declared that his team was "looking forward to the challenge..."

So confident is Taylor and his group, that he quipped: "We are so confident that we don't even have to leave Jamaica."

Taylor, who played a lead role in the senior team's progress to the final round of the Digicel Caribbean Cup, admitted that the situation has created added pressure, but they are looking to succeed, even against the odds.

"Yes, it is pressure because we know the expectation is high from everyone. It will be a hard task, but we are looking forward to going out there and winning all three games," said Taylor.

The Boyz open against the hosts on January 26 in what should be a very hostile environment, but Downswell is hoping the work done by Dr Kai Morgan, clinical psychologist, and her crew, will enhance the mental resolve of the team.

"We hope to get them tough mentally... but once we go out there and maintain that level of tactical discipline, we can come out of that one victorious," he said.

On January 28, the young Boyz face Mexico, before closing out the tournament against Canada two days later.

Three sponsors - Life of Jamaica (LOJ), the United General Insurance (UGI) Group and Supreme Ventures shared in yesterday's treat.

LOJ's marketing manager Karl Williams presented a symbolic cheque of $750,000 to JFF head Crenston Boxhill to assist with travel and other expenses for the team in Fort Lauderdale.

LOJ had already donated $750,000 (for a total of $1.5 million) during an earlier qualification round, and Williams promised further sponsorship should the team qualify for the final.

Supreme Ventures provided $1.2 million to help with training camps, while UGI donated $500,000 for local camps in December.

The sponsors implored the youngsters to give of their best in the tournament and make their country proud.

There was only one injury worry up to yesterday - vice-captain Ryan Thompson travels as a standby - as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury. He is one of three goalkeepers in the 19-man squad.

Squad: Ryan Thompson, Ralston Robinson, Duwayne Kerr, Jermaine Taylor, Rudolph Austin, Kieron Bernard, Keniel Moodie, Adrian Reid, Kemar Munroe, Obrian White, who has gained a scholarship to Canada, Mario Harrison, Luton Shelton, Horace Howell, Steven Morrissey, Nicholoy Findlayson, Richard West, Akeem Priestly, Seon Givens, Jermaine Hollis, out of England.

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