Jazmin Ferguson takes aim at Young Reggae Girlz debut

JAZMIN FERGUSON has accomplished a lot in her 18 years, but there is one accomplishment that would mean the world to her, and that is to make the Jamaica national team.

Ferguson is set to showcase her skills in one of a series of camps set up for the Young Reggae Girlz, who are in preparation for the Concacaf U17 and U20 Championships. The Reggae Girlz latest camp runs from January 18-26 at the Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence, UWI, Mona, Kingston and Ferguson said going into an opportunity like that, she is calm. However, she said once she goes on the field, she knows all that will change. She will experience some nerves, but doesn’t expect that to last long.

With both parents, Patrick and Althea, Jamaicans, Ferguson said making the cut would see her being the first person in her family making a national team.

“That way I can represent my country and I can set some standards for my future generations,” she shared with The Gleaner.

Ferguson is already comfortable in the country she wants to represent, as her parents ensure she makes the trek annually.

FAMILY BIG ON FOOTBALL

Commenting on her love of the game, Ferguson said football has always been big in her family and influenced her leaning towards the sport.

“When I was younger, going to my older brothers’ practices so I could chase the balls they hit out of play was the highlight of my day. I knew then that that was what I wanted to do,” she informed.

Much as she enjoyed the time spent hanging out to watch her siblings, she said she was inspired by her father, as he has always been someone she looks up to and someone she turns to for advice on being a better player. It also helped that he played, too, and they would play many a game together.

When it comes to support, Ferguson, who is a strong defender, said she has it in abundance as her fan base includes her entire family.

“I usually always have a fan base wherever I go for games. They bend over backwards to come to games and important sporting events to show some love. If they couldn’t be there, I would always get a text saying ‘good luck’,” she said.

Born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Ferguson later went to live in Atlanta where she attended Heritage High School and captained her football team. Ferguson, who has been playing football since she was six, said along the journey she has had some setbacks, which only served to strengthen her resolve to be a better player.