Sara Williams makes CPD Merched Pwllheli her eighth senior club

Long-serving North Wales footballer Sara Williams has joined CPD Merched Pwllheli for the 2023-24 season.

The former Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction, Bangor City, Amlwch Town, Mountain Rangers and Llandudno player was captain of Caernarfon Town last season, where she passed on her considerable experience to a very young team.

Now the 35-year-old mother-of-three has signed for Pwllheli, traditionally one of the strongest teams in the North Wales Women’s League.

“To be honest i enjoyed being part of Caernarfon Town again last season, mentoring young ladies and helping develop the team on and off the pitch,” said Sara

“But as i do believe this could be my last season, i would love to play football without any responsibility and have fun as that what it is all about.

“After discussing with the Pwllheli girls we all agreed that I could contribute to the team by playing in midfield or as a goalkeeper.”

Sara started playing football at the age of eight for Llechid Celts, and was the only girl on the team.

Having three brothers who were always playing football and the fact her father used to manage Bethesda U15s, it was no surprise that Sara followed suit.

Her first senior team was Colwyn Bay Ladies, who were champions of the North Wales League at the time and packed with many good players.

Later came stints with Llandudno Junction, Amlwch Town and Bangor City.

While with Junction Ladies she won Club Player of the Year and in 2014/15 at Amlwch, she received Manager’s Player of the Year.

Before last season’s adventure, Caernarfon Town was another of Sara’s former clubs. She skippered the Canaries in the Welsh Premier League in 2017-18.

Next was a move to Mountain Rangers, where she also wore the captain’s armband.

Before 2020-21, Sara and Elena Julio were due to take over as player-managers of Rangers, but the team was forced to fold in the summer.

That left the much-sought-after Sara without a club and Llandudno were quick to snap her up.

Unfortunately, the season was cancelled completely due to Covid-19.

However, the birth of the Tier 2 Genero Adran North League in 2021-22 gave Sara a new opportunity as a goalkeeper at Maesdu Park – and how she took it.

She had a fantastic season between the sticks as Tudno were crowned champions at the first attempt and lifted the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup.

Then came a difficult, but in many ways rewarding season last time out with Caernarfon Town, where she was mainly an outfield player.

CPD Merched Pwllheli now becomes her eighth club.