When Barry Town United take to the field for the FAW Youth Cup final at Newtown on Sunday, they hope there won’t be too many nerves.
After all, it can’t get much more tense than their quarter-final against Llanelli Town or semi-final against Pontypridd United – both of which they won on penalties.
“Going into the final, we know we’re the underdogs, there’s less pressure on us. It’s more for the boys to enjoy the day, and hopefully get a win,” says coach Damian Flynn.
“The pressure was reaching the final. Now it’s a case of the shackles are off and it’s a chance to showcase our quality. Put a performance on, and that’s all that matters. I’m proud of them.”
They’ll be facing Briton Ferry Llansawel, who beat Flint Town United 3-0 to reach the final, and are currently second in their league as well, with a gobsmacking 90 goals in the “for” column. What’s particularly nice for manager Kevin Moyes is that these goals are shared around the team.
“This has been a product of the way we try and play, which encourages players to have opportunities on attacking transitions – getting into the right scoring zones,” he says, describing the stat as “a credit to the application this squad have applied this season.”
It has been a successful campaign for Briton Ferry at all levels, with both the senior men and women winning league titles. It gives the U19s a bit more impetus to do well themselves.
“The club are in a really good place at the moment,” says Kevin. “This has stemmed from some incredible work behind the scenes from the committee which cascades through the club.
“Our players are a special bunch, with most of them having another two years at least in this [U19s] environment. Our motivation is for them and the club to keep on getting better – if that adds an element of pressure, then great!”
The 2024 FAW Youth Cup final between Barry Town United and Briton Ferry Llansawel takes place at Latham Park in Newtown on Sunday 14 April (KO 16:00).
Entry is £2 for adults and free for concessions. It is cash only on the gate and the price also covers admission to the Bute Energy U16s Cup final earlier in the day.
