The Town’s players and staff share their thoughts on mental wellbeing, the importance of checking in on one another, and why asking for help is a sign of strength.
Football brings people together through unforgettable highs, difficult lows and a shared passion for the game. But beyond the results, performances and matchdays, there is something far more important: the wellbeing of the people who make up our club.
To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, members of Barry Town United have shared their thoughts on mental health, the importance of supporting one another and the role football can play in helping people feel connected.
From the changing room to the stands and beyond, the message is simple: it is okay not to be okay, and nobody should feel they have to face difficult times alone.
The importance of connection
For goalkeeper George Ratcliffe, football provides an opportunity to focus on something he enjoys, embrace competition and spend valuable time with his teammates.
“It gives me an opportunity to be competitive and focus on something I enjoy. It also allows me to have a laugh and interact with my teammates, which I highly value.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the pitch. Josh Bernard highlighted how communication and encouragement can make a difference to a team, while emphasising why those same principles matter away from football.
“On the pitch, it’s really important to communicate with your teammates, whether it’s telling them ‘man on’ or just encouraging them in general. It can make a big difference.
“Off the pitch, you never know what anyone’s going through, so it’s always good to check on your teammates and just ask them if they’re alright.”
As captain, Callum Sainty knows the importance of having people around you who can offer support, particularly when times are difficult. He explained how much the dressing room and club staff have meant to him personally over the past year.
“For me personally, with how this year has been, it could’ve been a lot different without having the boys and staff to lean on. Don’t ever be afraid to talk. I’m always here for whoever needs it.”
Callum’s words reinforce the importance of creating an environment where people feel comfortable opening up and know they have others ready to listen.
Dan Barton echoed that sentiment, stressing the importance of being there for one another through difficult periods.
“Just checking in on each other. We’re all there for each other on the pitch and likewise off it.”
Sometimes, a simple conversation or asking someone how they are feeling can make a difference. Looking out for those around us should not stop when the final whistle blows.
Finding support when it matters
Having people we trust can be invaluable when life becomes difficult.
For James Lester, family and close friends are the people he turns to when he needs someone to talk to.
“My family and close friends. Having people you can talk to and be yourself around is so important, especially when things get tough. Sometimes just talking things through can make a massive difference.”
Noah Daley also highlighted the importance of family, explaining that he always turns to his parents because he knows they have his best interests at heart and will offer good advice.
“Always turn to my parents as I know they’ll always have my best interests and good advice!”
Their responses are a reminder that support can begin with the people closest to us. Whether it is a family member, a friend, a teammate or someone else we trust, opening up can be an important first step.
Looking after yourself on and off the pitch
Jack Shaw highlighted the importance of giving yourself time, accepting that difficult days are part of life and avoiding unnecessary pressure.
“Looking after my mental health means giving myself time to reflect, understanding that it’s okay to have difficult days and not putting too much pressure on myself.
“Football can be demanding mentally as well as physically, so I think it’s important to talk to people and keep things in perspective. For me, it’s about constantly growing as a person and making sure I’m looking after myself both on and off the pitch.”
Jack’s message is a reminder that looking after our mental health does not mean having everything figured out. Taking time to reflect, speaking to others and recognising when we need a break can all be important parts of maintaining our wellbeing.
Kayne McLaggon: Putting the person before the player
As Barry Town United’s Head of Academy and a former player, Kayne McLaggon highlighted the responsibility the club has to support the mental wellbeing of its young footballers and the wider academy community.
“I feel it’s really important to have the person first and the player secondary. We are a club that has its community at heart and are proud to represent the people of Barry.”
Kayne explained that the academy aims to provide a support network where players of all ages feel comfortable approaching him or any of the coaches if they are struggling.
“With this in mind, we have a duty to be a support network to our players and ensure that any player of any age has the access and comfort to speak to myself or any of our coaches within the Academy if they feel they need to.”
He also emphasised that the mental health of players and parents is important to the club, highlighting the strength that comes from working together as a community.
“Our players’/parents’ mental health is something that is very important to us, and we know that we as a community are stronger together, so having that link with our Club/Academy is imperative.”
Kayne’s message reinforces the importance of creating an environment where young footballers feel valued as people first, with the confidence to speak up and access support when they need it.
“It’s okay not to be okay”
Keston Davies shared an important message for anyone experiencing difficulties with their mental health, encouraging people not to be afraid to speak about what they are going through.
“Obviously opening up is thrown about a lot, but I’m a true believer in a problem shared is a problem halved. It’s okay not to be okay, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
It is a message that runs throughout the contributions from the Town’s players and media team: speaking up matters, and nobody should feel ashamed of asking for support.
Rhi Clarke: Finding purpose through photography
For Barry Town United photographer and media team member Rhi Clarke, looking after mental health is something deeply personal.
Rhi openly shared her experience of living with schizophrenia, explaining how it has taught her the importance of prioritising her mental wellbeing while recognising that her diagnosis does not define who she is.
“Living with schizophrenia has taught me how important it is to look after my mental health, but my diagnosis doesn’t define who I am.
“Being part of the media team and being a photographer for Barry Town means so much to me and plays a huge part in my wellbeing. Having something I love, something that gives me purpose and allows me to feel connected to people, makes such a difference to me.”
Rhi’s experience highlights the value of finding activities that bring enjoyment, purpose and a sense of belonging. For her, photography and being part of the Town’s media team provide that connection.
She also stressed the importance of recognising what helps us through life and making time for those things.
“I think we all have our own things that help us through life, and it’s important to recognise what those things are and make time for them.
“Just as importantly, if you’re struggling, please don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it takes strength, and you never have to face things alone.”
Her words serve as a powerful reminder that every person’s experience is different, that a diagnosis does not define an individual, and that finding purpose and connection can be an important part of looking after our wellbeing.
Alfie Humphreys: The importance of talking and accepting support
For Barry Town United Social Media Manager Alfie Humphreys, mental wellbeing is also something shaped by personal experience, including delayed grief and navigating significant life changes.
“Having experienced delayed grief, I’ve learned how important it is to talk to the right people. The support of my family, friends and professionals has made a huge difference to me.
“Leaving my last job to join the Barry Town media team and pursue self-employment was a big leap, but having people who believed in me gave me the confidence to take that chance.
“My message is that you don’t have to face things alone. Whether you’re dealing with grief or facing a big life change, talking to someone and accepting support can make all the difference.”
Alfie’s experience reinforces the importance of having people around us who listen, offer encouragement and help us navigate difficult periods. Whether we are dealing with grief, uncertainty or a major life decision, having the right support can give us the confidence to take the next step.
One club, looking after one another
This World Mental Health Day, Barry Town United encourages everyone connected with the club to take a moment to check in with themselves and the people around them.
Ask a teammate how they are doing. Make time for a friend. Speak to someone you trust if things are difficult. And remember that you do not have to wait until you reach a breaking point to ask for support.
Mental health matters every day, not just on 10 October. By continuing to talk openly, listen without judgement and support one another, we can help create an environment where everyone feels able to speak up.
Will Richards shared a final message for everyone connected with Barry Town United:
“Football gives us so many highs and lows. On World Mental Health Day, we want every Barry Town supporter to know that it is okay to not be okay, and you never have to deal with it alone.
“We’re one club, so look after yourselves and look after each other.”