The 2023 edition of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador will be officially opened on Friday June 23 and will run until July 8. The multisport event is renowned for featuring young talent that tends to use the competition as a springboard for future success. Jamaica’s contingent of representatives will be hoping for the same. Football on the island appears to be making slow but steady strides forward in recent times; and with the naming of the male and females teams set to take part in the Games, the hope is that the progress can reap early reward.
The men’s squad lists players 22 years old or younger (as per competition rules), while there is no age restriction for the women. Football kicks off on the 28th with Jamaica being drawn in Group B for both. The men will face exclusively Central American opposition as they play Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras in the group stage. Meanwhile the women have Puerto Rico for Caribbean company in their group. The two are joined by Colombia and Mexico. Both competitions jump straight to the Semifinals after the group stage.
The teams are as followed:
Men:
Adrian Reid
Anthony Bennett
Asher Hutchinson
Brandon Cover
Christopher Matthews
Christojaye Daley
Daniel Russell
Devonte Campbell
George Grant
Jaheim Thomas
Jahshaun Anglin
Marlon Allen
Matthew Baker
Philando Wing
Romain Blake
Ronaldo Webster
Rushike Kelson
Shaniel Thomas
Stephen Young
Tyler Roberts
They play first in the group against Honduras on the 28th, followed by Costa Rica on the 30th and close with Guatemala on July 2. The semis play on July 4 and the finals on July 6.
Women:
Andrene Smith
Chris- Ann Chambers
Dannique Wilson
Davia Richards
Destiny Powell
Katie Oakley
Kersha Thomas
Lauren Reid
Logan McFadden
Maliah Atkins
Mikayla Dayes
Malika Dayes
Mireya Grey
Natoya Atkinson
Olufolasade Adomolekun
Shaniel Buckley
Shanhaine Nelson
Sheyenne Bonnick
Sydoney Clarke
Theanna Burnett
Once again Jamaica starts things off in the group as the women face Colombia on the 25th, before the Caribbean derby against Puerto Rico on the 27th followed by Mexico on July 2. The semis are on July 5 with the final two days later on July 7.
The Staff charged with overseeing the two teams include:
Xavier Gilbert, Wendell Downswell, Marcell Gayle, Michael Jackson (not that one), Rudolph Austin, Andrew Sewell and Karen Clarke-Lumsden.