Spence On New Season, Scoring & More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian footballer Jasmine Spence said she is ready to take greater goal-scoring responsibility for Newport Pagnell Town Women this season.
Spence has been given creative licence in a “free role” and hopes to build on her impressive pre-season displays in her team’s opening league game away at Nuneaton Borough Ladies First on Sunday [September 3].
The 25-year-old, who has netted nine goals in six pre-season matches, said she also has extra responsibility as part of the English non-league side’s leadership group.
Photo courtesy of Martin J Robinson Photography
“I’ve had a free role in pre-season,” Spence told Bernews. “I’ve been floating between attack and midfield. I’ll switch two or three times during a game. I don’t have an official position – I sort of go where I please.
“I’ve never seen myself as a goal-scorer, but the team are looking at me to score the goals this season.”
Spence helped Newport Pagnell Town win the Thames Valley Counties Women’s League Division Three title last term, scoring ten goals in as many matches.
The Buckinghamshire outfit have climbed three divisions to the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Division One South, where they will meet sides such as Leicester City LFC First and Northampton Town Women’s Development team.
“It’s going to be a test for us,” Spence said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge. A top-three finish would be great.”
Spence, who previously coached football and futsal at the CP Athletic Development Academy in Bermuda, returned to the island this summer to play for PHC Lady Zebras in the Bermuda Football Association Women’s League.
“I never really had a chance to play in Bermuda,” said Spence, who coaches Newport Pagnell Town Under-14 girls. “PHC are a family-orientated team and welcomed me.
“It’s encouraging to see the progression of women’s football in Bermuda. Hopefully, it inspires the young girls coming up. It’s great for them to see women playing.”
Spence represented Bermuda Women’s Under-17, aged 11, before switching alliance to Wales, playing for their under-16 side. She said she still has ambitions to play for the Wales Women’s senior team.
“I was in contact with Wales about a year ago,” added Spence, whose mother is Welsh. “They said they would come and watch me play when I’m ready. We’ll see how things play out.”
