AFTER being selected in a squad of 20 players to represent Jamaica at the ongoing 2022 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship in the Dominican Republic, Janiel Mignott says it’s a great honour to represent her country while sporting with pride in the national colours.

Mignott, who hails from the community of Gregory Park in Portmore, St Catherine, has been very impressive in the defensive unit during the team’s preliminary-round games so far at the championships.

The 16-year-old said it is a very special feeling to be wearing the black, green and gold for Jamaica.

“To be honest, it’s a feeling that you can’t really describe, especially when you are playing and people are cheering you on. And the best part of it is that there are thousands of other young ladies that are looking up to you right now wishing they could be here as well.

“So, the feeling right now is very amazing. It is a very good feeling playing for my country. I mean, sporting the jersey is always my dream. Although I have represented the Under-14 team a couple years back, it still feels like my first time.

“For me it’s an honor to represent my country. This is a very rare opportunity as there’s a lot of talent, so being one of the eleven players on the field means the world to me,” Mignott said.

Although it was a very short road to travel, Mignott, who plays for Waterhouse FC at the club level, said that playing for the national team has always been her lifelong dream.

“I started playing football not too long ago. I actually started playing when I was in seventh grade at Excelsior High School — [and] that’s like four years ago — and I am always enjoying myself.

“Football is like a stress-free programme for me. I mean, it helps take your mind off certain things, it helps you get through things and sets your mind free. It is a dream come true for me.

“When you play football you can reach far in the sport — and I want to go professional with it so I can help my mother and father financially,” Mignott told the Jamaica Observer.

Mignott, who can play as a defender or goalkeeper, said that her aim is to help Jamaica go as far as possible at the tournament.

“I am here doing my best and I hope my best is good enough to help the team reach as far as we can in the tournament,” Mignott concluded.