Latest News
‘Freddie’ Butler optimistic of U17s World Cup chances
February 07, 2025
Head coach of the Under-17 Reggae Boyz, Altimont 'Freddie' Butler, has named his 21-man squad that will travel to Guatemala to compete in the upcoming Concacaf Men's U17 Qualifiers.
Jamaica have been drawn in Group H for the qualifiers, which will see them taking on El Salvador, the Cayman Islands and St Lucia.
Under the new competition format, there will be no knockout rounds following the group stages, as each group winner will automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA Men's U17 World Cup to be hosted by Qatar in November.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Butler said the players are ready.
"We've worked tirelessly over the past months to prepare this group of players for the challenges ahead. Competing in the Concacaf U17 Qualifiers is a tremendous honour, and we are focused on achieving our goal of qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup," the head coach stated.
"The boys are motivated, talented, and ready to give their all for Jamaica. I have no doubt they will make the nation proud."
The squad includes schoolboy standouts Giovanni Taylor of Jamaica College, Excelsior High's Damarley Williams and Glenmuir High's talisman Orel Miller.
Also key to the squad is New York City FC striker Seymour Reid, who has been in fine goalscoring form for the U17 programme.
Jamaica will begin their campaign on Monday with a group opener against St Lucia, before taking on the Cayman Islands on Wednesday.
They will end their group-stage run with a final fixture against El Salvador on Saturday, February 15.
The team will be aiming to make the nation's third-ever appearance at the U17 World Cup, with previous qualifications in 1999 and 2011.
Assisting Butler on the management staff will be Kingston College head coach Vassell Reynolds and Carlton Simmonds.
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says they are confident in the team's chances.
"The JFF extends its full support to the U17 team and management as they bark on this important journey.
"We are confident in their abilities and determination to represent Jamaica with distinction. The entire nation is behind them, and we wish them success in their mission to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup."
The delegation, headed by Gregory Daley, is set to depart the island for Guatemala on Saturday.
