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Football for Every Age at Barry Athletic

At Barry Athletic Voluntary Football Club, we provide football for children, young people and adults — from first kicks right through to senior football.

Our focus at every stage is enjoyment, development, teamwork and confidence, following age-appropriate formats in line with guidance from the Football Association of Wales.

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Early Years Football (U6–U11)

Children can start their football journey with us from around 5 or 6 years old.

These age groups include:

Under-6 | Under-7 | Under-8 | Under-9 | Under-10 | Under-11

At this stage:

• Sessions focus on fun, movement and basic ball skills

• Players learn coordination, balance and teamwork

• Games are played in small-sided formats on smaller pitches

• The emphasis is on learning and enjoyment, not results

👉 Important: Our teams at these ages do not play competitive league football. This stage is about development, confidence and love for the game.

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Junior Competitive Football (U12–U17)

From Under-12 onwards, players move into structured competitive football.

Age groups include:

Under-12 | Under-13 | Under-14 | Under-15 | Under-16 | Under-17

At this stage:

• Matches become more structured and tactical

• Players develop game understanding, positioning and teamwork

• The format gradually moves toward full 11-a-side football

• Players are introduced to a healthy balance of competition and development

This is where players grow not just as footballers, but as confident young people who learn commitment, resilience and respect.

 

Transition to Senior Football

As players reach the end of youth football (around 16–18 years old), they can begin moving into senior football.

At Barry Athletic:

• Senior teams are for adult players of all ages

• Many of our youth players continue with us into the senior squads

• This pathway allows players to stay involved in football, fitness and the club community long-term

In some cases, older youth players may begin training with senior teams to support their development and confidence.

 

A Club for Life

Barry Athletic offers football at every stage:

Fun & learning → Youth development → Competitive junior football → Senior football

Whether your child is taking their first kick or progressing toward adult football, there’s a place for them here.

If you'd like, I can also write a short “New Players Welcome” section or a simple diagram showing the pathway from U6 to Seniors.