With just over 30 days to go before the FIFA Under-17 World Cup kicks off in Mexico, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) continues the preparation of its team, though way below the levels it had hoped for.

With the cancellation of a planned 10-day training camp at Spanish giants Valencia CF due to a lack of funds compounded by little or no help from Government and corporate Jamaica so far, the Under-17s have to be content with a home-based preparation programme.

President of the JFF, Captain Horace Burrell, continues to bemoan the lack of support for the team on the eve of kick-off to a major tournament.

“We still have not received a cent from government or from anyone else to help these boys, but we will continue to engage the powers that be to get help. Let me note that never before a team that has qualified for a World Cup has been treated in this manner. Never,” he told the Observer on Thursday at a press function to announce new additions to the technical staff.

But there could be some positive news on the horizon when the JFF hosts a press conference at the secretariat on Thursday, where Burrell is expected to give details on the preparation process and other important developments with respect to the cash-starved Under-17 team.

In the meantime, head coach Wendell Downswell has summoned 26 players to the seventh training camp on local soil since the team qualified for the World Cup from the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship in Montego Bay in February.

The one-week training camp was scheduled to start yesterday with a session at the UWI Mona Bowl, starting at 3:30 pm.

While in camp, the players will find out the countries they will be facing in the preliminary stage of the June 18 to July 10 World Cup with the official draw set to take place in Mexico City today.

In addition to the financial burden, which has hampered the proper pre-tournament preparation of Jamaica’s team to a second Under-17 World Cup, the JFF is also challenged by the weight of the players giving the required attention to both their preparation for examinations (CXC and internal examinations) and the tournament.

Downswell said in a press release from the Federation that “the players continue to sacrifice by being away from their homes week after week”.

“But just like in the qualifiers, they are determined to put out their best for the country as well as for their individual careers. I am extremely proud of their efforts and progress and what remains now is for corporate Jamaica and the government to help,” said Downswell, adding his voice to the call for financial assistance.

Meanwhile, the Young Boyz play will play Harbour View FC today and Tivoli Gardens FC on Saturday as they continue to participate in the KSAFA Under-20 tournament for invaluable match practice in the absence of international competition.

The current preparation programme includes participation in the above competition; physical strengthening work compliments of GYMKHANA; psychological preparation with Dr Wendel Abel and classes and individual study sessions with tutors engaged by the JFF.

Squad — Omar Holness, Patrick Palmer, Jason Wright, Kemo Wallace (Wolmer’s Boys); Andre Lewis, Romario Jones, Ashane Jenkins, Nico Campbell, Cardel Benbow (St George’s College); Ojai Bedward, Zhelano Barnes (Excelsior High); Courtney Henry (Kingsway High); Junior Flemmings (Jamaica College); Romario Williams (Kingston College); Alvas Powell (Paul Bogle High); Odean Clarke, Ramone Brown (Muschett High); Jason Wint, Noel Johnson (Glenmuir High); I’ishmale Currie (Garvey Maceo High); Jamauh Cunningham (Lennon High); Anthony Walker, Richard Trench (Rusea’s High); Melvin Blair (Manning’s High); Troy Moo-Penn (Manchester High); Rushayne Marrett (unattached).