The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) unveiled a comprehensive restructuring of its youth national team coaching staff on Thursday, headlined by the promotion of former Reggae Boyz captain Rudolph Austin to head coach of the Under-20 men’s squad. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to bolster the technical leadership across multiple age groups in preparation for upcoming regional tournaments.
Austin, who currently manages Portmore United in the Jamaica Premier League and served as assistant coach for the U-20 team since 2023, will be supported by veteran tactician Wendell Downswell as his assistant. The federation simultaneously announced that Downswell will additionally assume head coaching responsibilities for the National U-17 Team, assisted by Vassel Reynolds, Carlton Simmonds, and Altimont ‘Freddie’ Butler.
JFF Acting General Secretary Roy Simpson emphasized that these appointments reflect the growing caliber of local coaching talent. ‘Our quality of coaches continues to grow and improve in Jamaica,’ Simpson stated. ‘We have seen a number of our youth national teams in recent years win silverware and or pick up medals in regional competitions and this is exactly what we want to continue in the years ahead.’
The federation also confirmed continuity in women’s youth development, with Leacroft Lettman retaining his position as U-20 Women’s head coach. He will be assisted by Tamera Williams, who holds dual roles as Head Coach for both the U-14 Girls and the National Girls U-15 team. Former Reggae Girlz World Cup participant Sashana Campbell joins as Williams’ assistant and will also serve as assistant coach for the U-17 Girlz team under Marlon Hylton.
Completing the technical overhaul, Andrew Peart will continue leading the U-15 boys team following his successful guidance that secured the CFU Boys U-14 Challenge Series trophy in 2024 and the CONCACAF Boys U-15 Championship League ‘B’ title in 2025. Vassel Reynolds takes helm of the U-14 boys team with Lewin Purser as his assistant, demonstrating the JFF’s commitment to developing coaching talent throughout its youth programs.