Barry Town announce partnership with Vale Reds Disability FC

Vale Reds offer playing opportunities to children and adults with disabilities in the Vale of Glamorgan, fielding two teams in the over 16 and under 16 age groups.

They are the only registered disabled football club in the Vale of Glamorgan and have ambitions to grow their current teams and player participation numbers under the Barry Town umbrella.

During their decade long history, the Reds have grown from a Barry Island set-up supporting roughly 10 players to a club of more than 35 players.

The club currently participates in pan-disability tournaments and competes regularly against other disability sides from across south Wales, as well as entering annual national festivals involving teams from all over the country.

The club has also had players progress into the development scheme which provides opportunities to try out for the Welsh learning disability national squad.

“We are really pleased to welcome the Vale Reds for what is an exciting opportunity for us both," said Barry secretary David Cole.

"We have worked closely with the club for a number of years, with a number of the Reds players being first team ball boys at Jenner Park and becoming avid Barry Town supporters in recent seasons.

"We look forward now to the lads playing for the club, as we grow our pan-disability arm of Barry Town United while providing exciting new opportunities for the Vale Reds players in an inclusive environment.

Reds chairman Neil Latham said: "The Vale Reds welcome this merger with Barry Town United AFC.

"Our coming together will help all the players involved to progress onto bigger and better things. It is also a big step in the right direction for disability sports in the Vale.

"Next season will be our 10th year as a club and this is like an early birthday present.

"We look forward to joining up and working with Barry Town United to provide more exciting opportunities for our players and the Vale disability sports community."