THIS season saw the merger of two local football clubs both intent on providing excellent standards of coaching for the development of boys and girls within the Vale of Glamorgan. Barry Athletic FC and Vale Ladies and Girls FC have signed an official FAW Affiliation agreement whereby both clubs are in essence one, whilst maintaining their already well established names within the footballing community.

Barry Athletic FC were formed in 1975 and this year look to celebrate their 40th anniversary with a series of events. The senior team are the current champions of the Premier Division and the junior section currently provide football at u14s and u9s level but are looking to offer football for other ages from next season onwards.

The Vale Ladies and Girls FC were formed in 2012 but can already claim to be the largest female club in South Wales with a membership of over 150 players and provide football from u8s right the way through to u16s and senior level.

Chairman of Barry Athletic FC, Tony Barnett, said: “After being approached by Vale Ladies and Girls with the idea of an affiliation, we didn't need to think twice. The Vale shares the same ideas in terms of the growth and progression of children playing football and we are proud to say that we can now help provide football for females of all ages within the current club structure. The affiliation has already seen some of the Athletic coaching staff assisting the Vale with player education and we look forward to the partnership continuing for years to come”.

Luke Williams, chairman of Vale Ladies and Girls FC, said: “This partnership presents lots of development opportunities over the coming years for both clubs who both share ambitious plans for the future and provide the very best opportunities to young boys and girls in the local area. The club link provides us with a home base for our senior and junior female teams going forward with access to the well maintained Barry Athletic ground as well as providing a club house to welcome visiting clubs from all over South Wales."

If you wish to contact Barry Athletic FC, please visit www.clubwebsite.co.uk/barryathleticfc and fill out the 'Contact Us' form or email bafc75@gmail.com. If you wish to contact Vale ladies and Girls FC, please visit www.valegirlsfc.co.uk or email valegirlsfc@gmail.com.