WEST BAY, Grand Cayman — Despite being just 13 years old, National Under-15 midfielder Monique Perrier has all, if not most, of the traits of a professional footballer that betrays her tender age.

But those traits were not developed by chance; they come from dedication, understanding, and most of all, supportive parents.

Young Perrier had just finished lunch with her teammates and on her way to her room she was greeted by her parents Rohan and Carroline Perrier.

These are the doting parents that instil in Perrier the importance of balancing school work with sport and she has grasped well.

“It’s not difficult, it’s OK,” she told the Sunday Observer in the politest of tones — the absolute opposite of her demeanour when marshalling that right midfield area.

“When I come home I put on my clothes and start practise some touches, shower then go to my timetable, so I know which subject to study every night and get all of them out of the way for the week,” revealed Perrier.

That sort of dedication is what allows this first-form student at Immaculate Conception High School to maintain a 90 average while still being able to perform at her best on the field.

With Jamaica wasting a lot of goalscoring chances in the game against Belize, Perrier scored the second goal from just outside the box in the 29th minute to give Jamaica that breathing space and put them well on their way to victory.

“It’s very exciting because most times I go to matches I don’t score much, so I am really excited that I scored in the first game,” she said.

Young Perrier, who is a fan of Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, tries to copy his skill and style. “Personally, I think he is the greatest because of his skills and the shots he takes. Normally when I take shots in training it’s from far out,” she shared.

The young midfielder, who prefers to play forward but will play anywhere for her country, is of the belief that Jamaica has every chance of winning the inaugural CONCACAF Under-15 Championship and she is determined to play her role.

“I think we can go very far and we can win. I know there are some tough teams, but if we just relax and play the ball through the spaces and just place the ball properly when taking shots, I think we can win,” she pointed out.

Like girls her age, Perrier is just enjoying the moment and having fun, but her passion for success is driving the entire National Under-15 team.