We caught up with Soares ahead of her debut international camp to hear her thoughts on the call-up, the journey that led her there, and what the opportunity means to her and her family.

1. How did you find out the news?

They have been in contact with me since I was 18 because at that time I was playing for Oxford united U23’s, but I declined the offer because I was about to start University at Solent Southampton, as I did not want any distractions before going to University, they approached me again in my second year whilst playing for Portsmouth U23s, again I felt like I was not ready because I was still in a reserves league, they then approached me again at the right time, after my graduation I heard the news and accepted the offer to represent my country especially having played one season in the national level with the Sirens, I felt more confident and more ready as I have had that experience playing in a first team and not a reserves or u23’s.

2. What was your first reaction when you heard the news and who was the first person you told?

Honestly I was really happy and honoured especially being called up to represent my country, like this is such a great opportunity and definitely a massive test for me. The first person I told were my parents and they had the same reaction as me.

3. What does this call-up mean to you personally and your family?

It means a lot to me, especially to my family and my parents because it gives hope to young girls who live in the UK that are from Timor wanting to play football, because I’ll be the first Timorese girl from England to be called up and this opens a pathway for the girls living here and giving them hope to not give up and carry on.

4. What are you most looking forward to in this international camp?

Playing against other international teams, we have Philippines, Myanmar and Australia in our group, it will be a massive test for me but also a great experience, really looking forward to what I can bring to the team

5. Have you spoken to any of the coaches or any teammates before you’ve gone?

I have spoken to the coaches and they were very nice and told me not to worry as there are three other girls from Australia and it’ll be their first times too, so I won’t be the only one who’s new to the team. The coaches are trying their best to get players from abroad and scout girls, to build a stronger national team and build pathways, it’s really good to see that and a massive change and how much attention and help the women team is getting.

6. What are you hoping to learn/takeaway from this experience?

International experience, different styles of play, more fitness as I need to adapt to training in the heat and be back ready for the season to start with the sirens, but come back stronger, fitter and better.

From everyone at Southampton Women's FC, congratulations to Jessica Soares on this exciting achievement.