EVEN while celebrating Jamaica’s return to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Head Coach Wendell Downswell was quick to warn that adequate preparation and support will determine how far the young Reggae Boyz can go on the global stage.

He also shared that the technical team will be looking at additional players with a view of improving the squad ahead of the tournament.

“I am ecstatic and elated about this qualification, about this historic feat, qualifying for another Under-17 World Cup…” Downswell said, reflecting on the team’s achievement — winning Group G at the Concacaf Qualifiers in Costa Rica and stamping their ticket to Qatar in November.

The journey to qualification, he explained, was rooted in structure and unity behind the scenes.

“It came about with a very professional sort of setting as it relates to the staffing and just the level of harmony and tranquillity that transpired …we were able to maximise our potential as it relates to getting the youngsters across the line,” Downswell noted during a welcome reception at the Government VIP Lounge at the Norman Manley International Airport, shortly after the team’s return to the island on Thursday.

According to Downswell — who has now qualified his third youth team to a World Cup — critical to the latest success was a deliberate focus on mentorship and development from the earliest training camps.

“That was done in such a way that we mentored the players throughout from the respective camps, and it paid off for us.

“To play in a tournament of such magnitude, scoring 18 and conceding one [is a significant feat]. When we went in we were ranked 11th and we were up against the number three seed so we knew there and then that it would be a tough task, especially against Canada, so we meticulously prepared — and it paid off for us,” Downswell explained.

Jamaica defeated Aruba 3-0 before hammering the Cayman Islands 12-0 and then beat Canada 3-1 to book their place in the showpiece event set for November. This was the third national under-17 team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup and the first since 2011.

Now, however, the focus shifts from qualification to global competitiveness — and that, he stressed, will require comprehensive backing.

“The important step will be preparation,” Downswell said. “We are eagerly awaiting the draw, and based on that we will structure the preparations accordingly. We will also, of course, be doing the necessary preparation prior to that in terms of physical work and looking at the composition of the unit that we will then bring, because we will open the selection process again to see if there are individuals who have the requisite attributes to be part of the unit.”

Downswell emphasised that discipline and tactical identity were hallmarks of the team’s run, qualities he believes can translate to the World Cup stage if nurtured properly.

“It’s the level of discipline and dedication that they displayed throughout the tournament itself. The fact that we were able to maximise their performance based on the attributes that we possess — the speed and aggression — and how we did that in a very controlled manner from a tactical perspective were trademarks of the team.”

Downswell’s message is clear: The foundation has been laid, but meaningful investment in warm-up matches, conditioning, scouting, and expanded player evaluation will be critical if the team is to make a mark at the World Cup itself.

Jamaica U-17 Head Coach Wendell Downswell (third left) celebrates with his players after beating Canada 3-1 and topping Group G of the Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers on Wednesday in Alajuela, Costa Rica, to book a spot at the FIFA Men’s U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November. (Photo: Concacaf Media)

DOWNSWELL… the important step will be preparation. We are eagerly awaiting the draw, and based on that we will structure the preparations accordingly (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Jamaica’s Rajon McKenzie (right) is challenged by Cayman Islands’ Nacir Smith during their Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers match in Alajuela, Costa Rica, on Sunday, February 8. (Photo: Concacaf Media)