Cayman to host bigger U15 boys tourney in 2015

(CNS): Following the success of the inaugural U15 CONCACAF boy’s football development tournament in the Cayman Islands in August last year, local sports officials have confirmed that the country will host the second annual football competition as well. The regional championship is set for August but this time ten more teams are expected to participate 2015 with over 80% of CONCACAF’s members planning to take part. “This is promising news for our region, as we can see a growing interest in football development from 2013,” said CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb.

“The Under 15 tournaments are especially important as those young players have an opportunity to build a foundation for their country’s youth leagues and represent their nations at international events. It also enables the football community to start scouting for new talent at an earlier age,” said Cayman’s sports boss.

The Cayman Islands has hosted several tournaments from 2013-2014, in addition to the Boys’ U- 15 Championship. In January 2014, the country hosted the CONCACAF Women’s Under 20 Championship and in August 2014, the CONCACAF Girls’ Under 15 Championship with the first ever international games being played in Cayman Brac.

The sports and youth minister, Osbourne Bodden, said he was delighted that CONCACAF has selected Cayman as the host country.

“The Boys U 15 tournament two years ago was a tremendous success,” he said. “Our boys did us proud then and with the early notification of this expanded tournament, I look forward to the local team being well prepared to compete next year. I trust this exciting news will also be welcomed by the players, fans, and the community at large, and I am particularly pleased to hear that there will be matches played in Cayman Brac as part of the tournament,” the minister added.