Sam Jones has achieved so much for a 21-year-old

Virtually from the first day he kicked a ball Sam Jones has displayed a special talent.

Today the Caernarfon Town striker reaches the age of 21, having already compiled a CV of success others go through a full career only dreaming about.

Born on November 9, 1999, Sam started out at Menai Bridge Tigers and was coached from five years old by Sean Brett, now manager of CPD Glantraeth.

Sean lives across the road to Sam and the birthday boy is best friends with the former MBT manager’s son Noah.

At the age of nine Sam represented Ynys Môn as a goalkeeper !

However, goal scoring was destined to be his main forte and he certainly proved this when netting more than 80 in Menai Under-14’s treble-winning season.

He then went on to represent Welsh Colleges.

By now Sam was under the microscope from far and wide and it was Bangor City who won the race, signing him for their Academy from Menai Bridge.

The goals flowed as before and by the time the 2017-18 season came around, City first team bosses Kevin Nicholson and Gary Taylor-Fletcher decided to promote the 17-year-old to the senior squad.

Sam’s appearances for the firsts in the Welsh Premier that season were restricted to the bench, but he scored over 40 goals for the U19s Development Squad.

He was also highly impressive in a match against Liverpool Under-23’s.

The Liverpool side included Neco Williams and Rhys Williams, now first team players for the Premier League champions.

The following 2018-19 campaign saw Sam feature regularly for Bangor City’s first XI in the Cymru Alliance, where the club had been demoted through failure to secure the relevant licences.

The young striker netted eight goals for a Citizens side which finished fourth.

During the season, Bangor lost 2-1 to Caernarfon Town in the Welsh Cup and Sam’s performance caught the eye of the Cofis management.

In June 2019, Sam secured a return to the Cymru Premier when Caernarfon signed him at the same time as defender Gruff John.

That same summer came an event Sam will never forget as he starred for an Ynys Môn side which won the gold medal at the Inter-Island Games, beating Guernsey in a thrilling final at Holyhead.

Sam was Anglesey’s joint-top scorer in the tournament alongside Mel McGinness and Liam Morris.

Jones notched a double against the Shetland Isles and one versus Orkney from the penalty spot.

Last season’s curtailed fixture list due to Covid-19 saw Sam feature in 10 Cymru Premier matches for Caernarfon. This term he remains a key member of the squad.

In any article about Sam Jones, it always seems fitting to leave the last words to the man who has coached him since the age of five – Sean Brett.

“He’s progressing really well, he just needs a run of games now,” said Sean.

“Sam’s always been naturally gifted, strong with both feet and lightning quick. Brilliant attitude and a top lad as well.

“Hopefully he gets that run he deserves with Caernarfon. I’m extremely proud of him.”