Jhanaie Pierre on first involvement in WSL squad: “It has been a journey” | OneFootball

Jhanaie Pierre reflected on a ‘proud’ moment of being called up to our Barclays Women’s Super League matchday squad for the first time.

The young forward was named on the substitute’s bench for our trip to Chelsea last month – the first time she has been involved in any senior set-up since progressing into the Under-21s squad in the summer.

Having joined the Club at Under-10s level, Jhanaie has progressed each level to reach the Under-21s, where she featured regularly for Nick Hardy’s side in the opening months of the campaign, and was rewarded with an opportunity to be part of Robert Vilahamn’s squad for the London derby at Kingsmeadow.

Reflecting on her time, in and around the first team squad, she said: “It was a good experience, I learnt so much from all the players in a short amount of time.

“Going in as a youngster, they taught me all different stuff and, overall, it was definitely a learning experience to be involved in my first senior squad.

“It has been a journey to be honest, from being here on Friday nights as an Under-10s player to where I am now, I would have never thought that I would be in a senior matchday squad ever.

“It has been a good experience for me and my family as well, hopefully making them proud, and just doing what I can do.”

It has been a whirlwind few months for the forward as she was also named in the England Under-17s squad for round one of their UEFA EURO 2025 qualifying campaign, featuring in two of the three fixtures, and she reflected on her experience with the Young Lionesses.

“It has been a good last few months, it has made me want to push even more and made me feel like it’s only the beginning and I have got a lot further to go. It has just given me motivation to carry on what I’m doing and just do better,” she added.

“Everyone was welcoming to me, I saw a few people that I have seen around before, so it wasn’t hard to get involved in a new environment. The games were good, I got plenty of game time and we managed to finish top of the group…it has been a good experience.”

Our Women’s Under-21s return to Professional Game Academy League action on Wednesday as Nick Hardy’s side travel to Brighton for the first game of the second phase and Jhanaie is eager to get going once again.

“I’m very looking forward to it and can’t wait for the game on Wednesday. I think heading into the second phase of the campaign, especially game-wise, I don’t want to rush anything and keep the ball and, as a team, we’ll need to work together and have each other’s back.”