Author Archives: Hannah

A Remarkable Era Ends: David Cole Retires as Club Secretary

This week marks a significant moment, as David Cole steps down as Club Secretary, closing the door on a chapter that began all the way back in 1989.

Over the course of 740 games, David has devoted himself fully to the club. His tireless dedication, quiet strength, and support have been the foundation on which so much progress has been built. Whether coordinating the behind-the-scenes operations or offering support to players, staff, and volunteers, David has been a steady presence – always working hard, never seeking credit, but always earning it.

David’s retirement is more than deserved. He has given so much of his life to this club, and now it’s time for a well-earned rest away from the daily pressures of the role. Still, it will no doubt feel strange not seeing him in his trademark high-vis jacket, offering calm assurance on match-days. David will thankfully remain in a smaller administrate capacity and we are lucky to retain his skills.

Dave added, “As the saying goes “All good things come to an end” and so it is for me as after 36 years involvement with the Club with the last 22 as Club Secretary it is time to retire and hand over the reins to someone else.

It has been an honour and a pleasure to be involved with this fabulous football club. I have been on quite a few jaunts to Europe to see us play in the Champions and Conference Leagues. I would not have been able to do any of the many tasks that I had taken on without the support of Lyn, who has also retired after 30+ years service to the Club.

The Club has almost been my life for so many years and Lyn has on many occasions said I should have a flat in the Clubhouse. I have met so many people – some who will remain friends for life.

I leave the Club Secretary’s job in the capable hands of Daley Chapman. 

I will still be around the Club as a ‘mentor’ to those who have taken on some of the other jobs I had. 

I look forward to watching the team play without having to do Comet, Steward etc etc. I will now ride into the sunset.”

Looking ahead, we’re pleased to announce that Daley Chapman will take over as Club Secretary, having spent the past season closely shadowing David. Daley has already shown great energy, thoughtfulness, and commitment – and we’re confident he’ll build on David’s legacy with integrity and passion.

“It’s impossible to overstate what David has meant to this club. He’s been the heartbeat behind the scenes for over three decades – someone we’ve all looked to for stability, wisdom, and quiet leadership. I’ve learned so much from him, not just about the job, but about what it means to serve a club with humility and heart. Stepping into this role after David is a real honour, and while I know I have big shoes to fill, I’ll do everything I can to carry on his legacy with the same dedication he’s shown every single day.” Daley added – “I appreciate the opportunity provided and I am thankful to the board for placing their trust in me. Really excited to work with all sections of the club, and representing us within the FAW, and beyond.”

We’ll be formally honouring David during pre-season in a fitting way. But for now, we want to say a heartfelt thank you.

David – you are, and always will be, one of this club’s true heroes.

Barry Town United AFC Launches New Volunteer Role: Supporter Liaison Office

Barry Town United AFC announces the creation of an important new volunteer position: Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) – a vital role aimed at building stronger, safer, and more inclusive relationships between the club and its supporter community.

This initiative is being delivered in conjunction with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and in alignment with UEFA’s Supporter Liaison Officer requirements, reflecting Barry Town’s continued commitment to best practice in fan engagement, safety, and supporter representation.

The Supporter Liaison Officer’s role is designed to improve fan satisfaction, promote dialogue-based prevention strategies, and ensure fans have a respected and influential voice at clubs.

The SLO will attend where possible both home and away fixtures, supporting pre-match preparation, logistics, and communication to ensure a smooth and enjoyable matchday experience for all supporters.

Supporters will soon be invited to connect directly with the SLO to share ideas, raise concerns, or simply contribute to making Barry Town a better club for everyone.


To apply, please email Ollie Waterhouse – ollie.waterhouse@barrytown.co.uk and state why you believe you will make a great SLO for our fans. Applications close on Friday 20th June 2025

The Job Description can be found here > SLO – JD

George Ratcliffe Returns to Barry Town

Barry Town United are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper George Ratcliffe ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper rejoins the club after a standout season with Connah’s Quay Nomads, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 30 Cymru Premier appearances – firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent goalkeepers.

“George is someone we’ve admired for a long time,” said Steve Jenkins, Head of Football at Barry Town United. “His shot-stopping ability, command of the box, and presence in the dressing room are exactly what we need heading into the new season.”

Speaking on his return, George shared his excitement about rejoining the club that helped launch his senior career.

“I can’t wait to put the Barry Town shirt on, so happy to be here and I’m buzzing to get going”

Town fans may remember George’s previous stint with us in the 2019/2020 season where he made 14 appearances, keeping 4 clean sheets. He was also part of the matchday squad for our European game vs Cliftonville.

Keep an eye out for more signings coming soon!

Retained & Departing players: 2025-26

Barry Town’s retained players list for the upcoming 2025-2026 Cymru Premier season is as follows

Retained:
Mikey George
Callum Sainty
Will Richards
Rhys Schwank
Robbie Wilmott
Ieuan Owen
Ben Margetson
Owen Cuddihy
Ellis Williams
Ollie Hulbert
Ryan Kavanagh
Eliot Richards

Returning for Pre season:
Drew Perrett
Callum Huggins

Departing:
Liam Armstrong
Luc Rees
Josh Yorwerth
Aiden Lewis
Kayne McLaggon
Sam Snaith
Harrison Bright

We appreciate the effort and commitment from of all those players who are departing us.

The squad returns to training at the end of June and new signings will be announced in due course.

You can see the lads in action in our upcoming pre-season friendlies:

GRASSROOTS // A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER FOR BARRY TOWN

Where. To. Start?

Our junior grassroots sides enjoyed a great weekend of local football and created some amazing memories, in spectacular fashion. Trophy after trophy, goal after goal -it was a weekend of triumph, pride, and unforgettable moments.

Double Delight for the U14s

Kicking things off in style, our Under-14s delivered a sensational performance to edge past Inter Penarth 2-1, clinching the Harry Graton Memorial Trophy. The hero of the day? Iolo Thomas fired in both goals to seal the victory. But this wasn’t just any win – it completed a historic double, adding to their unbeaten league title. Legends in the making.

U12 Blues Blitz to Cup Glory

If that wasn’t enough, our U12 Blues turned up the heat with a jaw-dropping 8-1 victory over Llantwit Major in the U12 Championship Cup Final. It was a masterclass in team football and attacking flair.

  • George Toshack x3
  • Lewin Salley x2
  • Max Evans, Eli Evans, and Oliver Tresize all added their names to the scoresheet

A performance full of energy, creativity, and clinical finishing.

U13s Keep the Momentum Rolling

And the winning didn’t stop there. Our U13s put in a commanding shift against Llantwit Major to claim a 4-1 victory in the Vale of Glamorgan JFL U13 Championship. Goals from Shae Lapton, Jake Whitcombe, Ethan Ferguson, and Luke Davies underlined just how much talent this age group is brimming with.

U14 Blues Girls Shine

To round off a glorious grassroots weekend, our U14 Blues Girls lifted the SWWGL U14 League Shield after a thrilling win over AFC Penriwceiber.

  • Freya John was on fire with a hat-trick
  • Scarlet Williams sealed the deal with a fantastic goal of her own

From back to front, this team played with spirit, unity, and absolute belief. The future of women’s football in Barry is looking incredibly bright.

Pride. Passion. Progress.

This wasn’t just a weekend of football – it was a showcase of what we, as a club, is all about: community, development, and heart. From the first whistle to the last, our young stars played for each other, and for the Town.

A massive congratulations to all players, coaches, and supporters who made this weekend one for the history books. The future is blue and yellow!

#YourTownYourTeam #BarryTown #UpTheTown 🏆⚽

Score Big This Half-Term at Barry Town United’s Soccer Schools!

Looking for an exciting way to keep your kids active and inspired this May half-term? Barry Town United AFC is thrilled to announce the return of its ever-popular Soccer Schools, set to take place at Jenner Park on 27th and 28th May.

Running from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, these action-packed sessions are open to boys and girls aged 5 to 13 of all abilities. Whether your child is a seasoned footballer or lacing up their boots for the first time, our Soccer Schools offer a safe, fun, and inclusive environment to develop skills, build confidence, and make new friends.

For just £20 per day, with discounts available for multiple-day bookings, it’s an unbeatable opportunity for kids to train like their favourite players and at the same time, parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their little stars are in expert hands.

Led by our amazing coaching team, each day promises a mix of skill drills, fun games, and team challenges designed to inspire the next generation of football talent.

🎟️ Spaces are limited and expected to fill fast – so don’t miss out!

📧 To book your place or find out more, contact: damian.flynn@barrytown.co.uk

Barry Town Academy U13/14s Tour of Gent, Belgium

Barry Town Academy’s U13 and U14 squads recently returned from an unforgettable tour of Gent, Belgium, packed with football, fun, and fantastic team spirit.

The tour was jam packed including a professionally led training session delivered by KAA Gent Academy Coaches, providing the boys with a top-level experience and valuable insights into elite European coaching.

Both age groups then faced tough opposition across two rounds of fixtures.
The U13s showed great resilience, narrowly losing 4-2 to KV Kortrijk before bouncing back impressively to defeat KRC Harelbeke 3-1. Dom Nash was in fine form, netting a superb hat-trick over the two games, with James Pughe adding two goals of his own.

U13s Captains on this trip, James McCarthy (Jambo) and Olly Saddler said, “It was an honour to represent and captain Barry on this tour and in Europe. We were very happy to win our second game and work as a team to perform well. We enjoyed the stadium tour and Belgian bowling experience and can’t wait to go again”

The U14s faced a challenging encounter against a strong KV Kortrijk side missing out on a victory but keeping their head up in regards to their performance. They responded admirably with a spirited performance against KRC Harelbeke’s U15s, narrowly losing 5-4 in a thrilling contest on a tough playing surface.

U14s Captain Evan Yarr said, “Results didn’t go the way we wanted on the tour but it was a great experience and we enjoyed spending time as a team and being able to celebrate with our U13s team mates on their victory”.

Off the pitch, the boys enjoyed well-earned downtime, they thoroughly enjoyed a tour of the Planet Group Arena, home of KAA Gent, seeing the values of the Belgian club and our own club align as community based clubs and were shocked to realise that even at Belgian Pro League level, the club still relied heavily on volunteers for it to run smoothly. Another highlight was the team bowling night and some well-deserved McDonald’s – all of which strengthened team bonds and kept spirits high throughout the trip.

A huge thank you goes to coaches Daley, Yarzi, Adam, and Warwick for their incredible support and guidance throughout the tour.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s adventure – bring it on!

Match Preview – Barry Town vs Caernarfon Town

By Dylan MacIsaac

Barry kick off their playoff adventure with a trip to The Oval to face Caernarfon Town on Saturday. Spirits will be high on the four-hour drive up North with Barry in superior form to their opponents having won five of their last six games. Caernarfon are coming off a 2-1 win at home to Cardiff Met, but that marked just their second win in 6. The teams last three meetings are inseparable with a win apiece and a draw, but The Towns fine away form with just one loss in six should stand them in good stead this weekend.

Last time out at Jenner Park the crowd were treated to an emphatic 5-0 win over Briton Ferry Llansawel. The playoff spot was already locked up, but it was still a valuable win to build momentum in their push for Europe. Captain Kayne McLaggon picked up a goal and an assist in his final home game, and securing European qualification for the third time with his long-term club would make his legacy even more special.

A key talking point from the Briton Ferry game was the array of brilliant performances all over the pitch. The five goals came from three different scorers: McLaggon, Ollie Hulbert and Callum Sainty. Two goals from centre back Sainty and two assists from midfielder Robbie Wilmott highlighted Barry’s depth in the squad, and this level of team effort will be required with a tough potential few games ahead.

Hulbert’s last three games have produced the same number of goals and finished the season with a career-high of 15. His goals have proved crucial on a number of occasions and he will hope to extend that tally in the playoffs.

The previously mentioned pair of assists from Wilmott were the result of a formidable midfield performance where he controlled the game and kept the team ticking over. The Town can draw on his League football experience to see them through the high-pressure environment they will face on Saturday and any further games.

NAPA

NAPA AutoParts Renews partnership for 25/26 season

Barry Town is delighted to announce that NAPA Auto Parts has extended its sponsorship agreement, continuing as the official front-of-shirt sponsor for the club’s away kit for the 2025/26 season.


This extension marks a continuation of the strong partnership between Barry Town and NAPA Auto
Parts, a globally recognised leader in the automotive industry. NAPA Auto Parts joined forces with
the club last season, and after a successful first year, both parties are excited to build on this
collaboration.

Barry Town’s commercial manager, Ollie Waterhouse, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed deal:

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with NAPA Auto Parts. Over the past season, their
commitment to the club and our supporters has been fantastic. Having such a recognised brand on
board strengthens our club both on and off the pitch. We look forward to another successful season
together.”

Ian Taylor, Marketing Manager at NAPA Auto Parts, also shared his excitement about the extended
agreement:

“NAPA Auto Parts are excited to continue our partnership with Barry Town for another season. We
look forward to supporting the club and its fans and are proud to play a part in their continued
growth.”

To celebrate the renewed partnership, NAPA Auto Parts have donated two tickets to a BTCC race of a fan’s choice. NAPA Auto Parts are proud sponsors of NAPA Racing in the BTCC & this prize offers an incredible opportunity to experience the high-octane excitement of NAPA Racing. The tickets have been donated as part of the first Barry Town Community Star Award.


This competition is to celebrate the fantastic people of the Barry community. To enter, please follow
the steps below:

Nominate a community hero. This could be a coach, a friend, or anyone who you believe should win
the first Barry Town Community Star Award

Tell us why you’re nominating them

The winner will be selected and announced via club channels

Alongside the tickets, they will also win a signed away shirt, x5 VIP tickets to a fixture of their
choice in 25/26 season and a general stand season ticket for 25/26 season.

The NAPA Auto Parts branding will be prominent on our new, history-inspired away kit ahead of the
new season.


Fans can stay updated via the club’s official channels for further details.

To nominate your Community Hero, Email ollie.waterhouse@barrytown.co.uk

McLaggon’s farewell heroics help Barry batter Briton Ferry in final home game

Report by Dylan MacIsaac

Barry Town made it three wins in a row as they breezed past Briton Ferry Llansawel 5-0 at Jenner Park. A goal and assist for Kayne McLaggon in his final home outing along with braces for both Callum Sainty and Ollie Hulbert rounded up an excellent end to the season for the Town.

The home side wasted no time showing why they were able to lock up the 7th playoff spot as they commanded the game early on. Robbie Wilmott and McLaggon linked up on multiple occasions to create openings that piled the pressure on the visitors. 

A whipped Owen Cuddihy ball was nearly turned goalwards by Mclaggon early on but flew agonisingly past the striker.

They didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough as a pinpoint corner in the 12th minute from Wilmott found the towering centre back Callum Sainty who headed home with the prowess of a centre forward.

Wilmott continued to torment the defence as he fired a storm of excellent balls all over the pitch. Another one of his set pieces forced Will Fuller in the Ferry goal into a save after it glanced off one of his defenders’ heads.

Captain McLaggon came close again on 16 minutes with a deft flick that narrowly crept past the post. His fairytale moment came just four minutes later when his shot from the edge of the box nestled in the bottom corner and sent the crowd crazy. He was hoisted in the air by his teammates in celebration as the crowd stood to applaud the legend for a fitting end to a brilliant eight-year career in yellow and blue.

Owen Cuddihy was his usual tenacious self down the left flank, and he almost set up a third of the afternoon for Barry when his cross found Mclaggon yet again, but his header was clawed miraculously out of the top corner by Fuller.

Ferry’s first real chance came on 29 minutes when Ryan George put an inviting cross into the Barry box, but the ball was left untouched on its way to a Barry goal kick.

With the game already getting away from the visitors, Wilmott and Sainty were at hand again to produce a carbon copy of the first goal and make it 3-0. Sainty’s dominant performance extended to the other end of the pitch as he made plenty of strong tackles to thwart any chance of a comeback.

Armstrong was tested for the first time from a floated header that was en route to the top left corner, but he battled to win a free kick after being clattered into by Jasper Payne.

Michael George attempted a sneaky shot just before halftime, but it was well saved by the feet of Fuller at his near post.

There were to be no plot twists in the second 45 as Barry came out determined to build on their already comfortable lead. They nearly did just that in the 53rd minute when McLaggon’s day almost got even better with a mesmerizing overhead kick that was ruled out for offside, much to the dismay of the home fans.

George came close to extending the advantage after he was played in by Hulbert following a defensive blunder from the away side, but he couldn’t quite keep his effort on target. It was Hulbert who was able to convert a few minutes later as he put the game to bed with a classy sliding finish over the ‘keeper. An assist from the captain capped off his fine farewell before he handed the armband to fellow goal scorer Sainty, and he left his home pitch for one last time in the 74th minute to a standing ovation from the Barry faithful.

The Town’s top scorer doubled his haul for the day 11 minutes later with another clinical finish from just left of the penalty spot. The strike was his 15th of the season and marked the best goalscoring year of his career. He was assisted by substitute Ieuan Owen who capped off an excellent campaign for himself.

A Hulbert hattrick was very nearly on the cards as he burst down the left on 86 minutes, but his shot was well saved.

Barry will hope to ride the wave of their excellent run of form into their first playoff game against Caernarfon Town on the 26th of April at The Oval.ReplyReply AllForwardEdit as new