Jasmine Spence Set For Mini World Cup
Bermudian Jasmine Spence has been selected to represent England at the World Minifootball Federation Women’s World Cup in Croatia next month.
Spence, who plays for English non-league side Newport Pagnell Town, was invited to trials in Leicester over the summer and has been chosen for England’s 17-member squad for the six-a-side tournament in Mali Losinj from October 13 to 16.
The format features six players per team — five outfield players and a goalkeeper — with rolling substitutions.
Matches feature group and knockout stages and are played on a smaller pitch with smaller goals.
“Six-a-side football is a bit of an untapped market,” Spence told Bernews.
“A message was sent to relevant players that they were looking for a team to represent England.
“More than 400 girls attended the trials. The level was high with players from Bournemouth, Richmond and Tottenham Hotspur.
“I attended four of the six trials and kept reaching the next round.
“By the end of the final trial, they had reduced the number to 17 players, and they decided I’d be a good fit.
“Being selected does feel like recognition of my hard work over the years. It’s really cool.”
The attacking midfielder, who represented the Bermuda women’s under-17 national team before switching her allegiance to Wales and playing for their under-16 side, believes her futsal experience helped her impress at the trials.
“I’ve been playing futsal in the UK for three years,” said Spence, who plays for Mavericks in the National Futsal Series Tier 1. “I also played in Bermuda and the United States.
“I play against the best futsal players in England and really enjoy it. I feel I’m constantly learning.”
Spence played in Newport Pagnell Town’s 1-1 draw at home to Loughborough Foxes in the East Midlands Regional League Premier Division at the weekend.
“We’re new to this league [after winning promotion], so it was a good result,” said Spence, who has also played for PHC Lady Zebras in the Bermuda Football Association Women’s League.
“It was a positive way to start the season against probably the best team in the league.
“I’m really comfortable playing for Newport Pagnell Town and feel I’m helping my community.”
