Barry Town United Women mourns long‑serving coach Tony Barnett, described as “the heart of the club”

Barry Town United FC and Barry Town United Women FC have paid tribute to long‑serving coach and volunteer Tony Barnett, who has died after a battle with cancer.

Tony, who spent more than a decade shaping the club’s male and female pathways, will be remembered as a hugely respected figure whose influence stretched across generations of players.

Tony first joined Barry Town United’s Academy shortly after it launched more than ten years ago, becoming known as a loyal, honest and dedicated mentor to young footballers. In recent years he played a central role in the women’s game, serving as Women’s Assistant Manager and Head of Youth Female Football.

Club representatives said Tony poured “his heart and soul” into developing opportunities for girls and young women, helping to build the foundations of the thriving female section the club has today.

Barry Town United Women described him as “at the heart of the entire football club”, having worked across both male and female programmes and dedicating countless hours to coaching, organising and supporting players.

Tributes from across the club highlighted Tony’s kindness, generosity and unwavering belief in giving every player the chance to grow. His work, they said, helped shape club culture and created opportunities that will continue long into the future.

“Much of what we have today exists because of his tireless commitment, selflessness and unwavering belief,” the Women’s team said. “His legacy will live on every time a Barry Town player pulls on a yellow and blue jersey.”

Tony was remembered not only as a coach but as a friend — someone always ready with encouragement, advice or a smile. The club said his loss will be felt deeply across the Barry Town community.

Club representatives said their thoughts were with Tony’s wife Margaret, his son Daniel, and his daughter Olivia, who plays for Barry Town United Women. “You have an entire football family standing beside you,” the club said.

Barry Town United will hold a minute’s applause ahead of Friday night’s Cymru Premier fixture against Cambrian United.

The club has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Prostate Cymru and Velindre Cancer Centre, charities close to Tony and to many within the Barry Town community.