NATIONAL Under-17 Head Coach Wendell Downswell says discipline will be a major factor in Jamaica’s quest for success at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, as the young Reggae Boyz prepare to make their third appearance at the global tournament.

Downswell expressed confidence in the squad but said the team would approach the competition one stage at a time, with the immediate objective of advancing beyond the first round.

“Our intention is to emerge from the first round into the second round, and take it from there,” Downswell said.

He was speaking at a send-off dinner for the team, hosted by Montego Bay United Chairman Yoni Epstein at Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment in Montego Bay on Tuesday evening, where the players and technical staff were honoured ahead of their departure.

Downswell identified the players’ discipline, commitment and attitude as encouraging signs, noting that their conduct throughout the preparation programme had been exemplary.

He said those qualities would be important as Jamaica takes on some of the world’s top young football nations.

The coach also credited the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) for providing opportunities for several training camps, which he said had played an important role in preparing the squad.

Jamaica U-17 men’s football team Head Coach Wendell Downswell addresses his players. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

While acknowledging that preparations had fallen short of the ideal, particularly the absence of three or four international friendly matches, Downswell said the technical staff had made effective use of local opposition to sharpen the team.

The squad faced Montego Bay United in a friendly before Tuesday’s send-off dinner and will play Arnett Gardens in its final preparatory match on November 12.

Downswell described qualification as a significant achievement, particularly given the difficulty of reaching the tournament. Jamaica last appeared at the Under-17 World Cup in 2011.

Speaking on behalf of JFF President Michael Ricketts, Vice-President Bruce Gaynor challenged the players to represent Jamaica with pride, discipline and courage.

Gaynor reminded the youngsters that their performances would carry the hopes of their families, communities and the wider nation, and urged them not to be intimidated by their opponents.

“Respect every team, but fear none. Play with confidence, courage, intelligence and discipline,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of teamwork and urged the players to represent Jamaica well both on and off the field.

Montego Bay United chairman Yoni Epstein thanked Coral Cliff, the Margaritaville Caribbean Group and Ian Dear for their support before challenging the players to show discipline, humility, self-control and national pride as they prepare to represent Jamaica in Qatar.

Jamaica Football Federation Vice-President Bruce Gaynor (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Epstein said their success had been built on the sacrifices of coaches, parents and teachers and reminded them that their behaviour would reflect on the entire country.

“You have already earned your place among the best in the world. Walk into every stadium in Qatar as equals,” he declared.

He urged the players to remain composed under pressure, adding that their character and habits would be important to their development and the future of Jamaican football.

Montego Bay Mayor Councillor Richard Vernon urged the young Reggae Boyz to play with courage and unity and make the most of their opportunity to represent Jamaica.

Vernon said the tournament would also give the players a chance to attract the attention of scouts and earn opportunities to play professionally. He encouraged them to remain focused and give their best, while assuring them of the support of Montego Bay and the wider country.

Jamaica secured qualification in February during the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Qualifiers and has been drawn in Group E alongside Italy, Ivory Coast and Uzbekistan.

The tournament starts in Qatar on November 19.