Senegal’s U18 national team will compete in an international youth tournament organised by UEFA in Switzerland, as part of the European football body’s broader development programme.
The event, designed to foster young talent through high-level international competition, will bring together youth teams from both European and African nations.
Senegal’s participation underscores the nation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its footballing foundations at all levels.
In preparation for the tournament, the U18 Lions began their pre-selection training camp on Sunday, 5 May, at the Jules Bocandé Technical Centre in Toubab Dialaw.
Under the guidance of head coach Pape Ibrahima Faye, the squad has assembled with a view to forming a cohesive and competitive unit ahead of the trip to Switzerland.
A total of 25 players have been called up to take part in the preparatory phase, with the technical staff aiming to assess form, fitness and tactical suitability before finalising the travelling squad.
Coach Faye, tasked with not only grooming future stars but also ensuring Senegal’s youth sides remain competitive on the international stage, will be relying on the camp to mould a side capable of leaving a mark at the UEFA-organised event.
“This kind of tournament is crucial for our players’ development,” Faye reportedly told his staff during the first day of training.
“It gives them exposure to different styles of play and a chance to measure themselves against some of the most disciplined and technically advanced youth systems in the world.”
Senegal’s invitation to the UEFA tournament reflects increasing cooperation between African football federations and their European counterparts in matters of youth development.
The initiative allows young African players to experience international football in a structured setting, often mirroring the tactical and physical demands of senior-level competition.
For the players selected, the trip to Switzerland represents more than just a series of matches; it’s a platform to impress scouts, gain valuable experience, and solidify their case for progression into higher national team categories.
Many of Senegal’s current senior internationals began their journeys in similar youth tournaments, making this experience all the more significant for the 25 hopefuls now training at Toubab Dialaw.
The Jules Bocandé Centre, named after the late Senegalese football icon, serves as one of the country’s premier facilities for grooming elite young talent.
Equipped with top-level infrastructure and a dedicated technical team, it provides the ideal setting for the players to prepare both physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.
Though exact fixtures and participating nations have yet to be disclosed, expectations remain high. With talent aplenty and a legacy to uphold, Senegal’s U18s will head into the Swiss tournament determined to represent their nation with pride and resilience.
Coach Faye and his staff are expected to announce the final squad in the coming days, once the camp concludes and final evaluations are made.
For now, the focus remains firmly on training, cohesion, and instilling the principles that have become the hallmark of Senegalese football in recent years.
As preparations intensify in Toubab Dialaw, anticipation builds for a tournament that promises to be both a test and a showcase for the next generation of Senegalese football stars.
