With the 2026 CONCACAF Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers approaching, Trinidad and Tobago’s coaching staff faces formidable selection challenges as they evaluate over 40 prospects for the final squad. Head coach Randolph Boyce must finalize his roster before TT’s opening match against Barbados in February.
Among the standout candidates are three England-based talents: Reading FC’s Kayden Bancey, Crystal Palace U-15 player Jashaun Christmas, and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tate Ormonde. The trio has been training alongside domestic prospects at a intensive residential camp at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium over the past fortnight.
Bancey, qualifying through his Trinidadian mother and grandmother, brings creative attacking midfield capabilities. “Playing as a central attacking midfielder, I believe I can contribute more goals or create different scoring opportunities,” the 15-year-old stated in a TTFA media release. “Representing your country is an honor—that alone constitutes a significant achievement.”
TT finds itself in Group A alongside Barbados, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, and tournament favorites Mexico. The stakes are exceptionally high: only the group winner will advance to the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Christmas draws inspiration from Crystal Palace teammate Rio Cardines, who progressed through TT’s youth system to become a senior national team regular. “Watching him excel for his country motivates me to improve,” Christmas remarked. “Making my family proud and representing at higher levels would undoubtedly enhance my development upon returning to academy football.”
Ormonde, primarily a right-back with midfield versatility, described the camp as “tough and really intense” but invaluable for his development. “The players push me to my limits, and I believe this daily challenge is making me a better athlete,” he noted, while acknowledging the competitive yet welcoming environment among local players.
TT’s qualification campaign runs from February 3-12 at Mucurapo’s Hasely Crawford Stadium, culminating with a decisive match against Mexico on February 12.