The 17-year-old dynamic midfielder, who can operate in several attacking positions, joined Chelsea last summer as part of our PGA team having played for Barry Town Boys Academy in Wales for most of her youth career.

Upon reaching the landmark moment with the Blues, Jones said: ‘It’s a very proud moment for me and my family.

‘To sign my first professional contract at such a special and big club makes it special to me. All the hard work put in has felt worth it. It’s just amazing to get it done.’

Head of women’s football Paul Green added: ‘Vera is a player we have tracked over the last couple of years at youth international level, where she has been a key player for the England U-17 team at the recent European Championships and World Cup.

‘She is a dynamic player who can fulfil a number of attacking roles and we are excited for her development over the next few years.’

On the international stage, Jones made her England U-17s debut in 2023, featured at the European Championships for the same age group in Sweden and was part of the Young Lionesses’ squad who finished fourth at the World Cup last year.

Everyone at Chelsea would like to congratulate Vera on her first professional contract, and we wish her every success in the years ahead!