KBVB launches Pre Pathway U17, 14‑year‑old Grandel Boateng receives call‑up

Vincent Mannaert, who serves as technical director and now CEO of the KBVB, has announced the creation of an additional national youth team. The ‘Pre Pathway U17’ targets players up to sixteen years old and includes among others the 14‑year‑old Grandel Boateng, a right‑winger with both English and Belgian nationality.

Goal and design of Pre Pathway

The KBVB wants to guide the development of young talents more specifically. The Pre Pathway U17 will not participate in a European Championship or World Cup, but will play friendly matches to familiarize players with the demands of a national selection.

In addition to matches, the programme includes group life and training camps, so the selected players become accustomed to the daily routine of a national team. The aim is better preparation for the transition to youth teams where qualifications and tournaments are at stake.

Grandel Boateng, currently developed at Birmingham, is the striking 14‑year‑old in the first selection. He can choose to represent either England or Belgium, but now gets the chance to train in the black‑yellow‑red during the upcoming camp.

The KBVB is gradually revealing the names of the first group. With the launch of Pre Pathway U17 the association hopes to create a clearer talent pipeline and involve young players early in the national project.