BARRY-BORN Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has pledged her support to Barry Town FC, by sending a letter to the Supporters Committee praising their efforts in keeping the team running.

Ms Gillard, who was born in Barry but emigrated to Australia with her family when she was a young child, praised the passion of fans for supporting the team, and wished them luck for the future.

The 27th Prime Minister of Australia, who spent her early years in Queen Street, added that she hoped for a ‘brighter future’ for the club.

"I do want to offer my encouragement to the Barry Town Supporters Committee as you seek to revive the fortunes of the Barry Town Football Club, one of the oldest clubs in the UK and, in its day, one of the most successful," she wrote.

"As the club approaches its centenary year, I am delighted to hear that a loyal band of fans is gathering to sustain the club and ensure it continues to play a role in the social fabric of Wales."

Describing herself as a ‘fanatical fan’ of her local Australian Rules club, the Western Bulldogs, Ms Gillard added: "I understand the passion that fans have for their club, because football is not just about sport.

“It is about history and tradition. It is about supporting one another. It is about backing a cause that unites us across different backgrounds. In short, it is about community."

Ms Gillard also said in her letter that she remains proud of her Welsh heritage.

"It may have been a while since I lived in Barry, but I have never forgotten where I came from – and never will," she wrote.

"I’m immensely proud of my Welsh heritage.

"Whilst I left Barry too young to have childhood memories, I have enjoyed my return visits and look forward to returning again before too long."

She also wished the club the best for the future.

"Football is rightly called the ‘beautiful game’ and I hope your efforts are rewarded with the success they deserve," she added.

Barry Town Supporters Committee, whose members are currently running the first team after the club was put up for sale, welcomed the letter from the 49-year-old Prime Minister, which came in an embossed folder with a covering letter, and was printed on governmental paper.

"While the seemingly never-ending buy-out saga continues at Jenner Park, it's been a real tonic to the fans that a leader of a country has taken time out to show their support for us, the players and staff," said committee member Jason Pawlin.

And he thanked fans and businesses who have also offered support.

"Supporters are manning the turnstiles, editing and printing the programme, selling BTSC Lottery tickets and eagerly trying to get sponsorship," he said.

"Bute Properties have thankfully come back on board as our major sponsor, and other supporters have even been paying for the post-match meal for the players. "We've received gifts from Glamorgan Dragons, Cardiff City, Arsenal, and Bolton Wanderers, and support from Sully FC and Barry Athletic CC.

"The very best support we can receive is by people coming to see our home games," he added.

"Coming through the turnstiles and buying a programme is all we need people to do. "With that support, we'll get through the season without a problem."