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Guyana U14 Boys locked-in for 2-day training ahead of 2026 CFU Challenge
Kaieteur Sports – With less than two weeks remaining before the opening whistle, Guyana’s Under-14 Boys’ National Team shifted into high gear on Tuesday, completing another demanding training session as preparations continue for the 2026 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Boys’ Challenge Series in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Guyana’s 20-member squad relish the opportunity to represent the national team at this year’s CFU U14 Challenge.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Jamal Pedro, the 20-member squad remains fully focused on the task ahead as Guyana seeks to make its mark in the Tier II competition. The final squad features six defenders, six midfielders, five forwards and two goalkeepers, with players drawn from clubs and academies across Guyana and overseas.
Pedro will be making his debut as a national head coach, having steadily risen through the Guyana Football Federation’s National Coaches Pool. Widely regarded as one of the country’s promising young coaches, he has earned recognition for his commitment to youth development and player progression.
Head Coach Jamal Pedro speaking with journalist during yesterday’s training session.
Guyana will begin its campaign on August 16 against Montserrat, before taking on Anguilla on August 17 and The Bahamas on August 19. The squad was officially named last week following months of assessments, training camps and talent identification, with the coaching staff adopting a “one game at a time” approach heading into the regional tournament.
Tuesday’s session at the National Training Centre in Providence followed a demanding beep test, with players being put through an intense programme designed to fine-tune their fitness, tactical awareness and technical execution.
The influence of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) was evident throughout the squad, with several players graduating through the federation’s year-round development pathway alongside the ongoing Youth Ensemble Programme, further highlighting the effectiveness of Guyana’s grassroots football structure.
Goalkeeper Royston Winter of Gladiators FC looked sharp between the posts as he worked closely with national goalkeeping coach Travis Bess, while Pedro placed heavy emphasis on attacking movement and finishing drills. Forwards Dontay Kowlessar, Aaron Vasconcellos, Lujon Dos Santos and Cavon Peters were repeatedly challenged to improve their movement and composure in front of goal.
Guyana’s U14 Boy’s preparing for 2026 CFU Challenge Series at NTC.
In midfield, Dane Vancooten, Wayshawn Forde and Gilbert Frank displayed good vision, discipline and awareness throughout the session, while defenders Daniel Chesney, Dylan Kendall and Fabio Kowlessar showed encouraging signs as they continue preparing for their first appearance in national colours.
The squad also reflects the growing reach of Guyanese youth football, with players representing clubs including Vurlon Mills Football Academy, Ithaca FC, Pouderoyen FC, Ann’s Grove FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, as well as overseas-based academies Colorado Rapids (USA) and Potomac FA (USA).
Speaking with Kaieteur News, Pedro said the team’s preparations have been progressing well and stressed that the players understand the responsibility of representing Guyana.
“So far we have been progressing very well, several weeks we been working together as a team.”
Pedro emphasized that, his preparation goes beyond the competition ahead, we are currently in the process of creating players for the long-haul where they can grow and develop to in the future contribute to national team.”
According to coach Pedro, most of the players would have come directly out of the FIFA TDS programme with several of the talent (s) emerging from the FIFA supported programme. He explained that at leads 90 percent of the side are made of local talent, affirming the development at the club level.
Pedro also lamented that the FIFA’s TDS programme remains an integral part in the success of the team.
He added that while the coaching staff respects every opponent in the tournament, the emphasis remains on Guyana’s own performance rather than the opposition.
“Our objective is to compete with confidence, continue our development and give our best in every minute we are on the field. This is an important step in the players’ journey, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
Training continues today at the same venue, as Guyana Boy’s U14 squad sharpens their skills ahead of their Montserrat fixture on August 16.
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