After eight weeks of preparation Jamaica's Under-17 Reggae Boyz and their coach Wendell Downswell are anxiously awaiting the opening whistle, as they hope to cement their place in history.

Downswell, who recently stepped down as head coach of the Under-20 team to focus on the Under-17s, is quietly confident heading into the tournament.

A major part of the young players' preparation was a four-week training stint in Brazil, where the team played several matches, a tour which Downswell believes was not only necessary but ideal.

"I think that we could consider this as the ideal preparation because in the six weeks, we have played 10 games, we won three, we drew two and lost five," he said.

"However, for me, we haven't lost a game in Brazil because I think, overall, it was a tremendous experience for both the staff and the players. I think that every game that we played, we met our objectives despite the scoreline that it might reflect, and that kept the youngsters very focused on the task at hand."

Star Sports now continues it feature on the members of the team ahead of Tuesday's opener.

Jason Wright

Alias: Jazzinho

DOB: December 26, 1994

School: Wolmer's Boys' School

Team Shirt #: 10

Position: Striker

Favourite Personal Football Moment: Scoring 52 goals in a season and winning all the titles in the same year.

Jason loves football! His career has already seen significant achievement and he is poised for more as he participates in the CONCACAF U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.

Troy Jay Moo Pen

Alias: Baby P

DOB: July 22, 1995

School: Manchester High School

Team Shirt #: 15

Position: Right Attacking Midfield

Favourite Moment: Being able to play on the national U-17 team

Troy has always dreamed of playing at the national level, and is empowered by this opportunity. Troy looks forward to a career in football at the international club level or becoming an entrepreneur.

Patrick Palmer

Alias: Pato

DOB: July 25, 1996

School: Wolmer's Boys

Team Shirt #: 12

Position : Right Wing Back

Favourite Moment: I was able to attend and participate in a Football Camp with Real Madrid FC, which was sponsored by Claro.

Patrick has excelled in the sport playing for Cavaliers FC locally and now at the national level he has found it to be a humbling experience. He looks forward to a long career in football.

Quante

Abbott-Hill-Smith

Alias: Smack Daddy

DOB: February 12, 1994

Team Shirt #: 6

School: Silverthrone

Position Played: Centre Back

Favourite Moment: Receiving a European passport so that I could play soccer in France.

One of the international based football players in the U-17 team, Quante is a pleasure to interact with. His teammates say he is jovial and an excellent addition to the team.