This is a great signing for CPD Y Rhyl 1879 – Jess is true quality

Their match at home to CPDM Y Felinheli may have been subject to a late call-off today, but CPD Y Rhyl 1879 certainly have some good news to share.

The Lilywhites have signed former NFA star Jess Mills, who usually plays as a left-back or left-wing, but her versatility means she can operate just about anywhere.

The speedy 21-year-old began playing football at the age of six with the Kinmel Bay ‘jelly tots’ team and later went on to represent Prestatyn and North Wales before signing for newly-formed senior team NFA aged 18 at the start of 2021-22.

She went on to make 52 appearances for NFA over three seasons, scoring 14 goals. Jess was top-scorer for the Rhyl-based team last season with 11.

Jess was part of the NFA side which finished third in the North Wales Women’s League in 2021-22 and reached the NWCFA Challenge Cup final. The following season NFA won promotion to the tier 2 Genero Adran North League, where Jess had a fine first campaign.

In September 2023, she netted a hat-trick in an 11-0 Welsh Cup victory over Welshpool Town.

Jess had not played this season, but after a break from football has now decided to make a comeback with Rhyl 1879.

She commented: “After a couple of months out I’m excited to be joining the girls for a new start and be a part of a strong women’s and girls set up and hopefully make a positive impact on the team.”

Manager Cassie Thomas added: “I am really happy to have Jess join the club. Jess is a technically gifted player with lots of pace and experience in this league, I am looking forward to bringing her in and seeing her progress individually and with the team at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 Ladies.”

Jess has two football-playing sisters who represented the former Rhyl FC in the Welsh Premier – goalkeeper and coach Yasmin and left-winger Ashleigh, one of North Wales’ best, who serves in the Army.