Bermuda’s under-16 side have been invited to participate in next summer’s Third Copa Mexico de Naciones tournament, the Bermuda Football Association announced yesterday.

The under-16s were selected by Concacaf to play in the tournament as reward for the team’s impressive showing at the Concacaf under-15 competition in the Cayman Islands this year, when they emerged as the leading country from the Caribbean region.

Mexico will cover all expenses once the team arrive in the Spanish-speaking country, while the BFA will cover air fares for 20 players and five technical staff at an estimated cost of $1,200 per person.

“We are absolutely pleased that Concacaf and Mexico have seen fit to recognise the Bermuda Under-15 boys’ national team as the best of the Caribbean countries,” said Larry Mussenden, the BFA president.

“It will be a very proud moment for Bermuda to represent the Caribbean in the Mexico tournament. Everyone in Bermuda should be proud of the under-15 boys’ national team.”

Mussenden added that the BFA is looking for financial support from the Government and corporate sectors to make the trip a reality.

“Additionally, we anticipate that the team itself will undertake various activities to raise funds,” Mussenden added.

Mark Wade, the BFA player development chairman, believes the Copa de Naciones tournament will serve as an ideal warm-up for other upcoming international competitions.

“I anticipate the Mexico Tournament to be before the Caribbean Football Union Under-17 World Cup qualifying rounds and this would be great preparation,” he said. “This is a positive development.

“This exciting news is a testament to our long-term goal that Bermuda will be the best of the Caribbean at every age level, male and female, and that we will advance to Concacaf and Fifa level tournaments.”

The Copa Mexico de Naciones tournament will feature 16 teams from various confederations and will be held from August 2 to 10 in Mexico City.

The competition will consist of four groups of four teams that will play against each other in the group stage with the top two from each advancing to the knockout phase.

The final will be held at the Azteca Stadium, which has previously hosted two World Cup finals as well as the Under-17 World Cup final.