Founder of Barry's footballing 'Wolves' legacy dies aged 68 (From Barry And District News)
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Founder of Barry's footballing 'Wolves' legacy dies aged 68
9:20am Thursday 24th January 2013 in News
FIRST WOLVES: Pete Saunders who has died at the age of 68, founded the original Silver Star Wolves football team in 1979.
THE founder of the Wolves legacy in the Barry football leagues, Peter Saunders, has died at the age of 68.
Pete founded the original Silver Star Wolves in 1979 to give youngsters the chance to play, no matter how good they were in terms of ability.
Over the years, the names of the sides have changed - but all have retained the 'Wolves' connection.
There have been Silver Star Wolves, Barry Wolves, Barry West End Wolves and Sully Sports Wolves and, still going very strong in the mini section is Dinas Powys Wolves with nearly 40 boys and girls playing for the teams.
Pete, who died on January 15, would take the youngsters on memorable end-of-season trips to such footballing venues as Anfield, White Hart Lane, Villa Park - and even Holland.
End of season presentations would always involve Cardiff City players and would make the youngsters feel special.
Indeed Cardiff City was Pete’s passion and he supported them throughout the decades, having a season ticket from the 1960s. He followed his beloved Bluebirds everywhere - even to Madrid to watch them in the European Cup.
Son Lee, who took over his dad's mantle in 1990 and continues to run the team under the same principles – ‘if you want to play, turn up’ - said: "Wolves enjoyed loads of success in the past 30 years, and my father touched the lives of so many people.
"He will be sadly missed by so many who have played for the Wolves over the years."
Every year during the 80s and 90s Wolves teams in all age groups would travel to Oxford to play in a huge five-a-side tournament, and Lee added: "Memories such as these will live long in the hearts of many.
"Our wishes are that we celebrate Pete's life by giving him the send-off he deserves."
The funeral takes place tomorrow (Friday, January 25) at All Saints' Church, Barry, at 3.45pm followed by cremation at Port Road; then on to Wenvoe Castle Golf Club for the wake.
Lee added: "Could everyone please make an effort to wear football/rugby shirts, with ladies requested to dress in bright colours."
