Happy (belated) birthday to Bow FC dynamo Mr Barry Roche!

If passion alone won prizes in football Barry Roche would have to build a new house for his trophies.

Born on September 5, 1991, the all-action Bow FC midfielder is 33 today.

Barry is the epitome of grassroots football. He puts 100% into every game and expects nothing less from those around him.

It is what makes him the sort of player numerous managers of tier 4 and 5 sides would want in their team.

Father-of-two Barry has mainly been a Bow player since the club formed in 2022-23, but over his career he has represented a number of other clubs including Rhuddlan Town, Kinmel Bay and the now defunct Rhyl Dragons.

Barry also used to be a regular in the now discontinued Rhyl and District Sunday League, Rhyl Rangers among the clubs he turned out for.

As well as being a tenacious tackler, Barry also strikes a mean dead-ball and is a precision passer. His on-field personality can be fiery as he drives himself and his team-mates on, but off the park he’s a great friend to many, renowned for his kindness and caring nature.

Barry has split his time at Bow between the first team and development side. He has made 65 appearances for the Prestatyn-based club in total, netting 22 goals.

Bow utilise his talents to boost the first team when needed and to provide experience with the development side.

One of Barry’s most impressive spells with Bow’s first team came in 2022-23 when he scored in three consecutive games in wins over Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno Amateurs and Rhyl Dragons.

Every team needs a Barry Roche, a player with determination, motivation and no shortage of playing ability.

Happy birthday Barry – even though it might be the day after by the time you see this article!