No CAC Games for Young Boyz

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Over two months of training by Jamaica's under-23 male team, the Young Reggae Boyz, yesterday came to nought as they will no longer participate in the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

According to general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Horace Reid, a decision was taken by CONCACAF to withdraw from the Games due to inadequate football facilities in Puerto Rico.

The football competition of the CAC Games was scheduled to run from July 17- 31.

"This morning we got formal notification from CONCACAF that they have withdrawn support from the CAC games for both the male and the female football competitions," Reid told The Gleaner yesterday.

"That decision was taken based on the report of CONCACAF's inspection team which indicated that there was a lack of suitable facilities," added Reid, who also stated that the confederation's governing body had also withdrawn all support staff from the tournament.

Jamaica Olympic Association notified

The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), the body which facilitated the team's ability to participate in the tournament, has already been notified, according to Reid.

"The Jamaica Olympic Association has been notified and it means that Jamaica will not be represented at the CAC Games in football. The general manager, Howard Bell, has been in contact with Mr (Mike) Fennell and I will have further discussions with him," Reid explained.

While the federation limited resources in the preparation of the team, Reid's primary feeling was one of disappointment for the youngsters who had put so much into training and will not have the opportunity to showcase their skills.

"We are extremely disappointed. The youngsters were really looking forward to it. They have been in training for over two months and it would have been a great platform for them to display their skills. There is no better platform that competition," Reid opined.

In the past, the CAC Games have been used as a qualifying tournament for the Pan American Games. With football not being a part of the Games, CONCACAF will have to find an alternative. That alternative, Reid said, could be known as early as next week.

"I will be meeting with CONCACAF in New York next week to discuss the CAC Games and other age-group competitions. There is the possibility that at that time that information regarding the Pan Am Games, scheduled for next year, will be clear," Reid explained.

The Young Reggae Boyz last competed in the CAC Games in 2006, when they reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual winners Colombia. In 2007, they earned a silver medal in the last Pan American Games held in Brazil.