ALL roads lead to the Llandilo Sports Complex in Savanna- la-Mar on Sunday, when Jamaica’s National Under-17 team is to be hosted by former Premier League champions Reno FC.

The Westmoreland-based outfit and Coach Wendell Downswell arranged the fixture as part of their mutual preparation processes for upcoming tournaments; the young Reggae Boyz for the upcoming U-17 World Cup and Reno for the 2026/27 JFF Championships kick-off.

“This fixture marks the start of our preparations for the new season as we build momentum, sharpen our squad, and renew our push for JPL (Jamaica Premier League) qualification. We invite our loyal supporters and the wider football community to come out and be part of the excitement. There will be music and other festivities,” Reno Football and Sports Club General Secretary Romaine Meggo shared with the Jamaica Observer.

The young Boyz — currently in the final stages of preparation for the upcoming 21st staging of the FIFA U-17 World Cup — will use the fixture to measure their readiness for the global spectacle later this year. The Qatar-hosted tournament is scheduled to run from November 19 to December 13.

“This is part and particle of the whole selection process to enable us to look at the guys to select the final 21 and [look at] the tactical aspect of things that we have been working on in training. We’ll have some clearer objectives from a defensive [and] offensive standpoint and also from standard situations… to see how they operate as it relates to that,” Under-17 Coach Wendell Downswell detailed in a conversation with the Observer. “And, of course, we will check the individual battles, to see what they bring in terms of the selection process.”

Reno will also use the opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contributions of Downswell as well as other pillars of football in the western Jamaica, Wesley Vassell and Clive Wedderburn.

“It really is an elated feeling to see my path being recognised. Not many people get the opportunity to be recognised while they are alive,” a humbled Downswell responded to being celebrated by the parish he says “developed him” and which he has served many years.

Reno’s Meggo emphasised the significance of Downswell being the common denominator in the successes of both the U-17 outfit and Reno football club’s heyday, before also highlighting the efforts of “dedicated” Vassell and Wedderburn. “Both men have played significant roles in the growth, development and sustainability of football in the west.”

The Reno executive expressed enthusiasm to host the young Reggae Boyz as the club lock into high-preparation mode ahead the upcoming Championships season.

“After narrowly missing out last season, Reno is ready to bounce back stronger, starting with this exciting clash against the U-17 Reggae Boyz. We will kick off at 3:00 pm. Tickets are now on sale, the cost is $700. Come out and join us, bring the kids and make it a family affair,” the club’s general secretary told the Observer.

Downswell, who was instrumental to Reno’s multiple Premier League title wins, has been a widely respected figure across Jamaica’s footballing tapestry for decades. The recent U-17 achievement has further ensconced the coach among the historic notables of Jamaica’s football development; having now qualified three youth teams to World Cup tournaments — the U-17s twice, and the U-20s once.

“The [U-17] team is mostly centred in Kingston, we want the rural area people to have a look at them. I spoke to Mr [Everton] Tomlinson, as it relates to that, and he allowed us the opportunity to do so,” Downswell explained, adding that the trip to Westmoreland will also allow the young members of the squad to experience different regions of the country than they are used to.

The U-17 Reggae Boyz were drawn in Group E with Ivory Coast, Italy, and Uzbekistan. The Boyz’s first match of the World Cup will be against Italy on November 20.