Happy birthday to wonder keeper Yasmin Mills !

When it comes to goalkeeping in North Wales football, she’s one of the very best.

Yasmin Danielle Mills is 24 today.

After representing Rhyl and Prestatyn and Rhyl FC earlier in her career, Yasmin joined the newly-formed NFA last season.

It’s quite a family affair at NFA these days, with Yasmin’s younger sisters Ashleigh and Jess also playing for the team.

Previously a player with Kinmel Bay and Welsh Warriors in street football, Yasmin first came to prominence with the Rhyl and Prestatyn team which won the North Wales League in 2013.

The team later changed its name to Rhyl Ladies, competing in the Welsh Premier Women’s League, and Yasmin adjusted to the top flight brilliantly, becoming highly-respected for her superb saves and brave performances.

She was named Players’ Player of the Year for Rhyl in 2016-17.

Yasmin first became a goalkeeper in about 2011. Her team at the time had no-one to take the gloves so she volunteered – and it turned out she was pretty good.

She has made too many great saves to mention in her career, but one which stands out to her personally came in a mid-Wales final in about 2013. 

It was 0-0 and on the stroke of half time when a 20-yard shot looked destined for the top-left corner.

Not being the tallest, few expected Yasmin to reach the ball, but she leapt like a lion to push the ball out for a corner.

When it comes to role models, Yasmin greatly admires the talents of Germany’s Manual Neuer.

Last season saw YDM produce some great displays for North Wales League Division Two newcomers NFA.

One of her finest came in a 4-1 Betty Pickering Cup defeat at Division One champions Llanfair United.

The loss would have been much heavier but for a remarkable succession of saves from Yasmin. After the match, the opposition made a point of singling her out for special praise.

Yasmin enjoys having sisters Ashleigh and Jess playing in the same team. 

Left-winger Ashleigh was outstanding last season, scoring some stunning goals. She is currently serving with the British Army in Poland.

Teenager Jess was one of the finds of the season, playing with a maturity way beyond her 17 years as an attacking full-back.

The Mills’ are a big family and football plays a huge part in their lives.

As the eldest of the three footballing sisters, Yasmin is a great role model and inspiration to all.

Happy birthday Yas!