Thomas using Jamaica experience to drive Wrexham on

Natasha Thomas scored on her Wrexham debut in the Women's Champions League [FAW] Forward Natasha Thomas hopes the experience she has gained on the international stage with Jamaica can help Wrexham Women continue their rapid rise. Thomas joined the Welsh champions from Ipswich Town in July and marked her debut with a goal in their 4-2 Women's Champions League qualifying victory over FC Pyunik of Armenia. The 30-year-old has won six caps and scored three goals for the Reggae Girlz since receiving her first call-up in October 2024, sharing a dressing room with the likes of Manchester City's Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Crystal Palace defender Allyson Swaby. "I never thought I'd be playing on the international stage," Thomas said. "My general manager at Ipswich put me forward because they didn't actually know I was eligible to play for Jamaica. "A week later I got a call-up for camp. They had a Zoom call with me to tell me what Jamaica's about and how much it means for people to wear the badge." Notwithstanding the unexpected nature of her international call-up, Thomas is thrilled by the opportunity. "It is massive and for me it's not just representing Jamaica, it's representing my family. "It was from my dad's side, both grandparents were Jamaican. They're no longer here, so for me I have them on my shinpads. "So no matter where I am, I run on the pitch with them." Eurovision to Champions League for Wrexham's Bartle Reynolds and Mac share Wrexham's European excitement Record goalscorer proud of unorthodox career path Thomas spent over a decade at Ipswich following a 2015 move from Lowestoft Town. She is the Suffolk club's record appearance maker and all-time top scorer, having scored 175 goals in 260 appearances for the Tractor Girls. "I probably turned down a lot of opportunities to go elsewhere," Thomas said. "That was probably because of the family unit I had at Ipswich at that point. "I made a lot of memories and they taught me a lot and I'm happy that they've done that because I can bring that here at Wrexham and help push where we need to go." Thomas has joined a team that became semi-professional in 2023 and last season won the Welsh title – the Adran Premier – for the first time. That meant Wrexham qualified for the Women's Champions League, one of the factors behind Thomas' decision to join the north Wales club. "It was one of the reasons, but not the main reason," Thomas added. "I've played for Jamaica so I can help and support Wrexham themselves with that. "But ultimately it was the staff themselves and I had a look around The Rock and the Racecourse. "For me it was what they said we could bring here and I think I can be a part of that and help support that as well. "There is a lot going on but I think everyone's relishing that and for us it's probably a big part of our journey." Natasha Thomas scored her first goal for Jamaica in a win over Trinidad & Tobago [Getty Images] Thomas is one of several new additions made by Wrexham head coach Jenny Sugarman before their maiden Women's Champions League campaign. "Tasha's got some unbelievable experience," Sugarman told BBC Sport Wales "I think what you see there is a professional who understands the game tactically. "She knows her strengths and she's great at that hold-up play and bringing other people into the game. She's got a fantastic skill level, so quick combinations." Sugarman, however, highlights one skill in particular Thomas adds to her squad. "First and foremost she's a centre-forward that wants to score goals. "She brings that level of experience both of being on a project and on a journey quite similar to the one that she did with Ipswich. "She's got some great mentality in there that will hopefully help other young players in the squad."