Tomas Edwards – 20 Years Old – Scouted by Pontypridd United 

At 20 years old, Tomas Edwards has already had a football journey filled with perseverance, learning, and progression through different levels of the game. From his early days in grassroots football to signing for Pontypridd United in the JD Cymru South, his story is a strong reminder of how dedication and resilience can eventually lead to well-earned opportunities. 

Tomas began playing football at the age of four with Ammanford Juniors, staying with the club right through to the under-16s. His development continued when he joined Ammanford AFC Youth Team during the 2021/22 season, competing in the FAW Youth League South. This early exposure to a competitive youth environment set the tone for what was to come. 

The next big step came when he signed for Carmarthen Town U19’s Academy, where he played for two seasons in the Cymru Premier Development League South. His performances during his first year impressed coaches, and he was rewarded with the captain’s armband for the 2023/24 season. That same year, he also made his first-team debut in the FAW Welsh Cup against Evans & Williams and featured in the JD Cymru South against Abergavenny Town. In total, he was included in 14 first-team squads that season under manager Mark Aizlewood. 

Tomas’s progress with Carmarthen also gave him exposure to a professional training environment. He joined the first team for preseason at the University of Bath, training in world-class facilities and experiencing BUCS-level football. Alongside his studies, Tomas continued to train regularly with Carmarthen’s first team and even featured against Newport County AFC Youth Team in the FAW Youth Cup. 

In the 2024/25 season, Tomas was invited once again to Carmarthen’s first-team preseason but ultimately made the decision to transfer to Radstock Town (Step 6), a move influenced by the University of Bath’s first-team manager. His performances there caught the attention of Wincanton Town (Step 5), who signed him on dual registration in January. This gave Tomas the chance to prove himself at a higher level of non-league football and gain further senior experience. 

His big breakthrough came after attending a UK Football Trials event in Cardiff towards the end of the 2024/25 season. Scouts from across the football pyramid were present, and Tomas’s performances caught the attention of Pontypridd United, who invited him for preseason. 

“Following that email to confirm I was scouted I didn’t hear back from Pontypridd,” Tomas explained. “So I made the decision to contact the manager directly after the deadline on the 26th of May had passed. I was then able to speak with the new manager, Mark Dunford, and was offered to come down for preseason with the first team after sending through some clips from the trial game in Llanrumney and further footage from my highlight video.” 

During preseason, Tomas impressed in games against strong opposition, particularly when Pontypridd faced Newport County, drawing 1–1. After the match, the coaching staff confirmed that they wanted to sign him for the upcoming season. His registration was finalised by the FAW on 30th July, and on 4th August Pontypridd United officially announced him as a first-team player. 

Reflecting on his journey, Tomas highlighted the lessons he took from UK Football Trials: “I learned that if you want to earn opportunities from clubs that you would like to represent, you need to be in the right place at the right time.” 

His best moment from the trial was a standout play: “I picked up the ball just inside my own half and had the chance to play a cross-field ball to the right winger. It came off brilliantly and led to us having a goal-scoring opportunity.” 

For Tomas, UK Football Trials provided the perfect platform. “The opportunity to showcase my ability in front of scouts from a wide range of professional and semi-professional clubs, ranging from Premier League and Championship clubs right through to National League and Welsh clubs, was invaluable,” he said. 

He has no hesitation in recommending the experience to others: “I would highly recommend UK Football Trials to other players as you will learn and improve as a player regardless of the outcome, as a result of the intensity and quality of the training and games.” 

Pontypridd United have already offered Tomas guidance on the areas of his game they were most impressed with, while also pointing out where he can continue to develop. It is clear the club sees real potential in him, and he is determined to seize the opportunity. 

From grassroots beginnings at Ammanford Juniors to captaining Carmarthen Town U19s, and now signing for Pontypridd United, Tomas Edwards’s journey is proof that persistence, self-belief, and seizing the right opportunities can lead to success.