30/08/2026
Barry Smith, QSM — A Lifetime of Service to New Zealand Football
Barry Smith, QSM, passed away on 28 August 2026, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of more than 60 years of service to football in New Zealand.
Barry was one of New Zealand football’s great record keepers and historians. For decades, he meticulously maintained detailed records of the All Whites, the National League and the regional leagues, creating an invaluable statistical record of the game in New Zealand.
Much of the Capital Football statistical data dating back to 1954 was originally provided by Barry. He continued to be a key source of information until 2000, when Matt Snaddon took over responsibility for maintaining these records.
Barry’s contribution extended well beyond statistics. Over the years, he helped countless football clubs preserve and document their histories. Most New Zealand club football history booklets were either directly or indirectly assisted by Barry in some way. His knowledge, records and willingness to share them helped ensure that the history of football in New Zealand was not lost.
For those of us who have spent years researching and recording football history, Barry was much more than a source of information. He was an inspiration and an example of the importance of preserving the game’s history for future generations.
His passing is a huge loss to the New Zealand football community. His records and the knowledge he shared will continue to be used and valued for many years to come.
