The St. Kitts and Nevis Under-15 National Football Team, affectionately known as the Young Sugar Boyz, returned home to a warm and enthusiastic welcome following an impressive campaign at the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, further highlighting the nation’s growing football potential.
The Young Sugar Boyz made a strong impression on the international stage, recording three victoYOUNG SUGAR BOYZ RETURN HOME TO HERO’S WELCOME FOLLOWING HISTORIC WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN
ries and scoring 14 goals against international opposition in a tournament that provided a significant milestone for youth football in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Head Coach Diego Pishinin described the team’s participation as a special and memorable moment for the country, expressing pride in the players’ commitment, discipline and determination throughout the competition. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the families who gathered at the airport to welcome the young footballers home.
“I just want to say thank you for all the families that came to support the kids at the airport. That was so fun and so nice and so much love from the parents,” Pishinin said.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, the coach praised the players for their willingness to embrace the challenge and work diligently during their preparation and throughout the tournament.
“It was a pleasure to be with them, sharing a very special moment for St. Kitts and Nevis Under-15 in the World Cup in Azerbaijan, and again I’m so proud of the boys. They went there for a few days of training and they put in the work for all the training sessions that we had there. They fought and they worked really hard every single day, and I’m really proud of them,” he added.
Among the standout performers was Kazaii Rawlins, who delivered an exceptional individual display, scoring seven goals to account for half of the team’s 14-goal total. His outstanding contribution underscored the attacking quality and promise within the young national squad.
Rawlins expressed satisfaction with his performance and the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.
“We won some [matches], we lost some and just having fun. [I] scored seven [goals] and got to represent my country. I feel good to make this accomplishment for St. Kitts and Nevis,” Rawlins said.
Beyond the results and individual accomplishments, the tournament represented an invaluable developmental experience for the young footballers, providing exposure to international competition, strengthening their confidence and deepening their appreciation for representing their nation.
Jonathan Phillips-Somersall described the experience as extraordinary, emphasizing the historic significance of St. Kitts and Nevis’ first participation in the World Cup and the team’s ability to secure victories and score goals on such a prestigious platform.
“It’s just a special, special experience and for St. Kitts and Nevis, for it to be the first time and our first World Cup and to be winning games and scoring goals; it’s just brilliant; beyond words. I can’t express the feeling, but simply brilliant,” he said.
The Young Sugar Boyz’ successful campaign has generated renewed optimism about the future of football in St. Kitts and Nevis, showcasing the immense potential of the country’s emerging talent and reinforcing the importance of continued investment in youth development.
Their return home represents more than the conclusion of a memorable international campaign; it marks an important milestone for the Under-15 programme and serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers across the Federation.
With their determination, talent and historic achievement, the Young Sugar Boyz have given the nation ample reason to celebrate and renewed confidence in the future of St. Kitts and Nevis football.
