Kenni Thompson is delighted to finally be a part of the national women’s football team and fulfil a childhood dream of showcasing her talents on the international scene.

The 22-year-old winger, who plays for Spanish top-flight side Eibar, has been named in the island’s 23-member squad that will face St Vincent & the Grenadines and Dominican Republic in their remaining Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifying group matches early next month.

“I’ve always dreamt of playing for Bermuda since I was a kid,” Thompson told The Royal Gazette. “When I thought about playing in the biggest tournaments, it was always with Bermuda. That’s what makes it special, representing and getting to show who you are.

“I’ve been away from home for so long, but that pride and love for Bermuda will never fade.”

Despite being off island, Thompson has kept close tabs on the island’s progress.

“I’ve been keeping track of their games over the years, watching whenever I can and they’ve come a long way,” she added.

“As individuals, there’s always been a lot of talent there, but as a team is where you see what has been pushing them to where they are now.

“The professionalism and work ethic and belief to do amazing things is stronger than ever, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Bermuda will host St Vincent at Flora Duffy Stadium on December 1 which could see Thompson make her Bermuda debut on her birthday.

“I’ve been so caught up with my club football for years and when it finally felt right for me to turn to international football it happens to be on my birthday,” she said.

“It seems weird, but at the same time it’s like life’s telling me it’s time to chase that dream.”

Thompson said the prospect of earning her first international cap playing in front of family and friends on home turf would be very special.

“Playing abroad knowing I’ve got some Bermudians there watching has always been a special feeling for me, and to be able to do it at home for the national team would be a dream come true,” she added.

Asked is she confident Bermuda can achieve its qualifying objective, Thompson replied: “I could see a boost in professionalism and work ethic from afar, which is always important.

“However, it was talking to the coach Naquita Robinson and players and hearing about the bond and belief within the group that will be crucial to us achieving that objective.

“Everyone is on the same page and wants to do something special for our country.”

Bermuda coach Robinson has made eight changes to her squad from the one that represented the island in the previous home and away group matches against Barbados last month.

Among those coming into the team along with Thompson are Nia Christopher, Danni Watson, Ashley Tutas, Zemira Webb, Katherine Bean-Rosario, Christia Lugo-Elibox and Micah Pond.

Omitted are K-Shaela Burch-Waldron, Kennesha Nanette, Jahzyiah Samuels, Jazae Smith, Akeyla Furbert, Samara Darrell and Kalay Hollis.

Unbeaten Bermuda are firmly on course in their qualifying bid as they top League B group C by a point over second place Dominican Republic, who they will face in a likely decider in their final group match in Santo Domingo on December 5.

The eventual group winner will advance to the play-off stage where they will face one of the runners-up from League A.

The winner of that encounter will qualify for the inaugural Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup, which will be held in the United States from February 20 to March 10, and will feature eight Concacaf and four South American teams.