Coach Says Jasmine Spence Is ‘Superstar’
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jasmine Spence has been described as an “absolute superstar” by Neil Griffiths, the Newport Pagnell Town Women’s head coach, after the Bermudian footballer scored her eighth goal this season yesterday [April 7].
Spence inspired Town to a 2-0 win at home to Leicester City LFC First, converting a first-half penalty to give her side the lead and pulling the strings as a deep-lying forward until she was substituted late on with the score 2-0.
Not only is Spence the leading scorer, but she also has the most assists [8], emphasising her influence for the Buckinghamshire side, who are fifth in the East Midlands Women’s Regional League Division One South.
Griffiths admits he has built his team around the playmaker and believes she could have even more of an impact if she was less selfless on the pitch.
“She’s brilliant, a leader in the group, and very welcoming to new players,” Griffiths told Bernews.
“On the pitch, she’s a maverick and can win us games out of nothing. She’s an absolute superstar and one of the humblest players I’ve come across.
“She likes to link up play and be a provider, and sometimes that takes away from the [goal-scoring] impact she could have.
“When we’re 2-1 down, a lightbulb comes on, and she goes and scores two.”
Her eye-catching displays have not gone unnoticed with Griffiths revealing other clubs in England and overseas have expressed an interest in the forward; however, he said he hopes she remains at Town for a little longer.
“I’d never hold someone back if it’s the right move, but hopefully Jasmine will stick around for a bit,” he said.
“We’ve got a good project and will be looking for promotion next season.”
Spence helped Town win the Thames Valley Counties Women’s League Division Three last term, scoring ten goals in as many games and believes the close-nit atmosphere at the club has helped her rediscover her love for the game.
“I came out here to revive the joy and love I lost for football,” Spence said.
“I played [NCAA] Division I [at Mercer University in Atlanta], which was a very intense experience, and I’ve needed to build my confidence back up.
“I’m enjoying myself and love playing alongside these girls – they’ve become like a family to me.”
Although Spence aspires to play at a higher level, she said she is more than happy to remain at Town for the foreseeable future.
“I like the philosophy here, and the team has a lot of potential to climb the ranks,” added Spence, who represented the Bermuda women’s under-17 national team before switching her allegiance to Wales, playing for their under-16 side.
“The club has big plans, and I’m excited to see what unfolds on a personal and team level.
“If an opportunity to play at a high level comes, I’d take it, but I’m not interested in a one-jump move. I’d rather stay here.”
The 25-year-old said she intends to head home this summer to play for PHC Lady Zebras in the Bermuda Football Association Women’s League.
“I enjoyed playing with Zebras last season,” added Spence, who coaches Town’s under-14 girls. “The girls were very welcoming, and it will help keep me fit.”
