Under-17 Reggae Boyz set for Brazil training camp

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

In a bid to ensure that the National Under-17 team is fully prepared for next February's CONCACAF Under-17 Championship, which will be staged here in Jamaica, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) will be sending the squad to Brazil for a 20-day training camp.

"After seeing the boys in Sunday's first game against Canada at Jarrett Park, we were not satisfied with the way they played," said JFF boss Captain Burrell.

"I immediately made contact with my Brazilian counterpart and arranged the training camp."

According to Burrell, the 30-member delegation, which will comprise of players, JFF officials and at least one tutor, is set to depart the island on December 15 and will return to Jamaica on January 4. During their time in Brazil, emphasis will be placed on the physical and tactical fine-tuning of the players.

"We are looking to play at least eight practice games in Brazil," added Burrell.

"The idea is to have the team sharp and ready when the CONCACAF tournament starts."

Special academic plans

As the camp coincides with the final week of the Christmas term, Burrell said discussions will be held with the Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) to formulate a plan to ensure that the players' academic needs are also addressed.

"We would like to have at least two tutors going along with the players," stated Captain Burrell.

"We will be discussing the matter with ISSA with a view to getting their input."

Recognising that the venture will be a costly one, Burrell said the JFF will be turning to corporate Jamaica for assistance.

"If we expect to get the desired results out of our players, we need to invest in their development," Burrell said.

Following yesterday's second game, which the local team won 1-0, their head coach Wendell Downswell said the coaching staff is still seeking to recruit new players as there is a shortage of good players in some key positions.