Shaunna Jenkins proud to represent Armed Forces in Remembrance Day match

Swansea City Ladies defender Shaunna Jenkins has spoken of her pride at representing the UK Armed Forces side after featuring in their Remembrance Day fixture against Chelsea Women’s Academy last week.

Jenkins is a logistics mover in the Royal Air Force – and has also represented the RAF team - and has been based at Brize Norton for the last 18 months.

The centre-back has represented Wales, but she can also class herself as one of the elite players within the British military following her selection.

“I’ve had two meets with the RAF Ladies, and both meets have been successful as we’ve won our games,” she said.

“I was fortunate to be in the starting 11 to make my debut against Sporting Khalsa and I managed to get on the end of a cross for a goal.

“The build-up to the UKAF meeting was important because it was my first time there.

“Being selected as part of the squad is a massive achievement and one that I can be extremely proud of. It’s a hard squad to get into with the quality of players there are across the three services.”

But Jenkins acknowledged that her feeling of pride and privilege at the opportunity was only added to by the fact the fixture against Chelsea took place on November 11, Remembrance Day, when we all stop to remember all lives lost in conflicts around the world.

Chelsea eventually came out on top at Kingsmeadow after falling a goal behind with 31 minutes gone after a Cerys Brown own goal.

The Blues pulled back a last-gasp win in the final 10 minutes to snatch away what would have been a memorable win for UKAF, with Kelcie Bowers heading home in stoppage time.

“It was a great experience playing against Chelsea academy especially on Remembrance Day, because for us as service people it means so much more and it’s something we can all be proud of,” added Jenkins.

“Some of the academy players play internationally, not only that but they’re also players who are looking to make it in the (Chelsea) first-team squad.

“We were unfortunate to come away with a loss, but every single player played their part whether it was on or off the pitch.

“Our performance that night is a statement for the quality we have, and we’ve put UKAF on the map.”