The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has reduced its national Under-15 training squad to 23 players as preparations intensify for the inaugural FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.

The players were selected from an initial pool of 33 and returned to training at the ABFA Technical Centre this week. The group, comprising players born in 2011 and 2012, will eventually be cut to a final travelling squad of 14.

The final team is scheduled to be announced on October 2, ahead of the tournament in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31. FIFA has confirmed that the 2026 competition will be the first edition of its new Under-15 World Cup and Festival.

The reduced squad comprises Tiano Lewis, Anthonio Richmond, David Williams, Cole Garner, Adryl Lewis, Ethan Barton, Kalvin Willman, Marcus Thomas, Aiden Isaac, Tafari Parker, Allan Henry, Kawanie Atherly, Dnic Hadaway, Collin Wright, Aaron Alfred, Kaleil Lawrence, Joel Hajjeh, Glenord Ambrose, Kisia Joseph, Johnathon Duberry, Jariy Roberts, Jermaine Campbell and Tevon Henderson.

Antigua and Barbuda will be among the nations participating in the inaugural boys’ competition, which forms part of FIFA’s expanded youth-development programme.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ABFA Cuts Under-15 Training Squad to 23 Ahead of FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan.