My Jam
It's Drew Spence here, midfielder for Spurs and the Jamaican National team. I'm going to be sharing my thoughts on the remarkable developments in women's football, our expectations at the upcoming World Cup, the profound influence of Jamaican culture, and a few personal anecdotes from my journey. So, let's dive right in!
Women First
“In my opinion, this year has been nothing short of incredible for women's football. After witnessing the home nation's triumph at the Euros, it was evident that a wave of excitement would follow.The Women's Super League (WSL) witnessed a significant surge in crowd attendance, indicating a growing support and appreciation for the sport. The games at Old Trafford and The Emirates were the pinnacle of the Season.With each passing day, women's football is gaining the recognition it deserves, and I know that this year is just the beginning of an extraordinary era for the game”.
Mundial
"First, let’s address the elephant in the room: The Women’s World Cup is right around the corner. I hope you are all excited as much as I am. Playing for Spurs and a club in general is amazing but representing my country, my background and my family drives me even more.The World Cup is a magical experience and I am so thrilled to live it in Australia and New Zealand. Oceania hosting a World Cup for the first time, me playing for Jamaica, everything is perfect.But it’s not going to be a walk in the park. As part of the Jamaican National team, our primary objective is to make it out of the group stage at the World Cup.This is our goal and we're all laser-focused on achieving it. Participating in my first World Cup is a tremendous honor for me and my family.Although I haven't been with the team for an extended period, I'm determined to share my experiences from playing with some of the world's best players at club level. The bond within the team is invaluable, and I can lean on my teammates, who have experienced the previous campaign, for guidance and advice.Together, we aim to leave our mark on the global stage and make Jamaica proud".
Jamaica
"I can’t lie, being Jamaican gives me a sense of belonging. Its vibrant culture and extraordinary diversity makes this little island so important on a global scale. Really!Despite being a small country, Jamaican culture has made a significant impact worldwide. Its music, distinctive fashion, and unrivaled sporting achievements have captured the hearts of people across the globe.Brands like Adidas, Clarks, and Daily Paper have recognized the marketability of Jamaican culture, cementing its mainstream place.It's a source of immense pride for me to witness how our culture continues to shape and inspire the world. I’m glad I am part of this wave but I need to play my role and look fly on the biggest stage. Luckily enough I have the drippiest kit of the world cup to wear during the games".
“I must say that Wales Bonner did an outstanding job with the design. The kit perfectly captures the essence of our nation and culture.The bold striped socks bring it to life and add a touch of flair. The home kit, in particular, is a slick ensemble that not only looks great on the pitch but also fits seamlessly into everyday fashion.Being part of the kit release shoot was nothing short of surreal for me. Not only is it my first World Cup, but the shoot also took place in Jamaica, adding to the sense of awe.We were shooting in tropical conditions, and the temperature soared to around 35°C. Despite the heat, we rocked sweaters and jackets for that authentic Jamaican vibe.It was an experience I'll treasure forever. It reminded me of the passion and dedication we bring to the game, no matter the circumstances”.
‘Jerk in the Park’
“It was fun talking to you guys and if you are in London and want a spot to catch the game in a real authentic Jamaican style then head out to ‘Jerk in the Park’ in Waterloo.It's my local food spot, offering the real experience of incredible Jamaican cuisine. The energy and flavors take me right back to the streets of Jamaica…They’ll be showing the games at BoxPark and other spots around Shoreditch, Cmon Reggae Girlz!”
