Mauritius is gearing up for a vibrant week of youth football as the FIFA U15 Boys’ and Girls’ Festival kicks off from 15 to 19 December 2025 at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.

Organised in partnership with the UFIA, the event gathers some of the region’s most promising young players in what promises to be a showcase of raw talent, learning opportunities, and international camaraderie.

Five countries – Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros – will compete in a single-round league format, offering every team the chance to test its strength across the board. Mayotte, a usual participant in similar regional programs, will not be part of this edition.

But the festival is more than just football. Alongside the matches, FIFA is set to conduct two key seminars aimed at upskilling coaches, technical staff, and federation officials. One session will focus on child safeguarding and protection of minors, ensuring that every participating nation strengthens its structures both on and off the pitch. The other one will adress ontechnical development and coaching strategies.

Under the guidance of Cynthia Edouard and Anaëlle Rassoie, the Mauritius U15 girls’ squad is entering the festival with determination and ambition. The group has shown steady progress during preparatory sessions and carries a strong sense of unity ahead of its opening match.

Their opponents promise a competitive field, with each nation bringing its own style and strengths. For Mauritius, the tournament offers an invaluable opportunity: not just to win matches, but to gauge the development of the local women’s game against regional benchmarks.

“The girls are eager, motivated, and ready to give everything,” said Cynthia Edouard. “This festival is a stepping stone in their long-term journey.”

On the boys’ side, the tone is equally optimistic. Coached by Mervin Jocelyn and Kinsley Saramandif, the Mauritius U15 boys’ team has been preparing intensely for the regional challenge that begins also on Tuesday, 16 December at Côte d’Or.

The squad will lock horns with their counterparts from Réunion, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros, all known for producing energetic, technically sharp youth sides. Yet the Mauritian technical team believes the group is ready.

“The boys have shown excellent attitude and discipline during training,” Mervyn Jocelyn said. “They’re eager to express themselves, and we’re confident they’ll deliver strong performances.”

For many players, this festival represents their first true international exposure – and possibly the first step toward future national team duties.

The FIFA U15 Festival carries significance far deeper than results, trophies, or standings. It is a developmental hub that brings together nations, enhances coaching knowledge, raises safeguarding standards, and gives young athletes a platform to dream bigger.

For Mauritian football, the event is a milestone: hosting a regional gathering of this calibre at Côte d’Or reinforces the island’s growing status in youth development.

Over five days, the fields of Côte d’Or will echo with energy, teamwork, and the pure joy of the game – a true celebration of youth football in the Indian Ocean region.