The Cayman Islands Boys Under-15 National Team will join teams from around the world for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24-30 Oct.

Led by head coach Ian Lindo, the Cayman Islands have been drawn into Group S, alongside Egypt, Iraq, Macau, China, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In a press release, the Cayman Islands Football Association said, “The FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival is a new initiative designed to expand access to international football for young players and provide meaningful competitive opportunities at an important stage of their development.”

Cayman opens its campaign against Iraq on 24 Oct., before facing Egypt and Trinidad and Tobago on 25 Oct. The team will conclude the initial group stage with matches against Macau, China, and St. Kitts and Nevis on 26 Oct.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our young players, and one that we are all looking forward to,” Lindo said. “We want the boys to embrace the experience, play with confidence and show what they are capable of.”

He added, “The exposure to different playing styles, the demands of international competition and the opportunity to learn from every match will be invaluable for these players as they continue to progress through our national team program.”

Cayman’s team includes Alex McAuliffe, Caelan Foreshaw, Eric McField, Kale Merriott, Kenardenio Henry, Keshawn Brown, Kupakwashe Mutomba, Liam Forrest, Luke Watson, Marvin Hinds Jr., Samuel Morrison, Trey Lewy, Trey Webster and Xavi Tibbetts.

Speaking to the Compass, under-15 player Lewy said he is looking forward to representing Cayman in Azerbaijan, adding, “My goal for this tournament is to assist, maybe score goals and just be there for my teammates.”

He said the team has been preparing through tactical and technical drills to ensure it is ready for the tournament.

The competition will feature an eight-a-side format, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves on smaller pitches. The modified format is intended to increase players’ involvement in matches, encourage technical development and provide more opportunities to make decisions on the ball.

Following the initial round-robin group stage, teams will be placed into one of six competitive tiers based on their results. Every participating team will continue playing during the tournament stage, ensuring additional international match experience regardless of its group-stage finish.

The event is expected to feature approximately 190 FIFA member associations and nearly 1,000 matches, making it one of the largest youth football competitions ever organised by FIFA.

The tournament stage will be held on 28-30 Oct., with matchups determined by results in the opening group stage. The Cayman Islands’ group-stage matches will be played at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku.

Cayman Islands Group S schedule (Cayman time)

Saturday, 24 Oct.

Sunday, 25 Oct.

Monday, 26 Oct.

Additional reporting by Compass TV’s Samantha Peene.