National representative Shaniel Buckley says that playing for the senior Reggae Girlz has always been a dream of hers, and she is grateful for the opportunity to make that dream a reality.

Buckley, 17, has been called up to the senior Jamaican team set-up for the first time as the Reggae Girlz are set to play Paraguay in two international friendlies as they continue preparations for the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

The number 42-ranked Jamaicans will face off against the number 51-ranked Paraguay on November 10 at the Catherine Hall Stadium in Trelawny and three days later at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Buckley had enjoyed an excellent spell of development coming through the Under-17 and Under-20 ranks.

Buckley, with two international goals to her name, said that she is thrilled about being selected.

“It is really a good feeling to get the chance to play with the senior Reggae Girlz for the very first time at 17 years old. It was always my dream to play with them and be a part of the team. I finally get the chance now, and so I have to do what I have to do to bring out my best,” the attacking midfielder told the Jamaica Observer.

Buckley, who also had successful stints with the Excelsior High football team and Waterhouse FC, said that she brings raw talent to the senior squad and, hopefully, will be able to pin down a spot in the squad.

“The game cannot be played without midfielders, and so the position I play is very important to the game. I bring more impact; I am very quick, I am versatile, and I can read the game very well. I love the ball and I have great passes as well, so providing the attackers with long or short balls is something I can do. I have been working really hard on my game and I am just happy that I am reaping the rewards,” Buckley said.

She doesn’t want to jump the gun, but the Newland, Portmore native said that she is looking further than just playing friendlies for the Reggae Girlz.

“I also want to make the World Cup team. The aim is to do well, and maybe my best will be good enough for consideration as a part of the World Cup squad. That would be huge,” the former Naggo Head Primary School player said.

Buckley credited her mother ShuShanne White for progress in the sport.

“Everyone knows that the community of Newland is not the best of places due to its violence, but my mother has been there for me, supporting and guiding me through the hardship. She placed me on the right path and now I want to make her proud,” said Buckley, who is the niece of Reggae Boy Andre Lewis.

Xavier Gilbert, assistant coach for the senior Reggae Girlz team, said that Buckley had done really well at her job and deserved to be a part of the national set-up.

“Shaniel Buckley is a very exciting young player. She has done well at both levels with the Under-17 and Under-20s, and she did well for Waterhouse in the Women’s Premier League and exceptionally well for Excelsior High School. She has shown growth and is a testament to what she has been doing. I am happy that she was called up for the senior squad and, of course, one of our local players.

“I mean, that’s also very important, you know, to have one of your local players come into the squad when there are so many professionals playing across the world. She and Liya Brooks are two of the young ones. They both played at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels and were very excited. We know they are players that we think will do well for Jamaica in the future, hence their inclusion,” Gilbert told the Observer.