GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – The Cayman Islands under-15 boys national team gained valuable experience recently by playing two friendly matches in Guadeloupe.

After falling 8-1 to the host nation on March 7, the Caymanians recovered well in a 2-1 loss to Basse-Terre FC U15 a day later.

"Overall it was a valuable learning experience especially given this team has only been together for a couple of months,” said under-15 national team head coach Virgil Seymour.

Seymour says that the Guadeloupe trip enabled the team to get better acquainted and allowed the coaching staff to learn more about the roster.

"Winning or losing one game at this stage is not important.” Seymour added.  “The coaches have taken a structured approach to preparing the players for this summer's CONCACAF U15 tournament and our goal is to prepare the team for maximum performance in the next five months.

A squad of 15 players travelled to the French overseas department, acquiring a valuable taste of the international game.

"As the U15 boys continue to prepare for the CONCACAF Boys U15 Tournament, the Guadeloupe games were part and parcel of those preparations,” said Renard Moxam, Director of National Teams.  “The games provided our coaches and players an opportunity to further determine the level at which we need to get our team to play at on a consistent basis in order to compete - not just participate, in the tournament this summer.”