FC United of Wrexham
 | |
| Full name | FC United of Wrexham |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Other Wrexham |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Ground | Bronwen Green |
| Chairperson | Morgan Churchill |
| Manager | Andrew Ruscoe |
| League | FAW Futsal League |
| 2022–23 | North East Wales Championship, 7th of 9 |
FC United of Wrexham is an amateur football and futsal club based in Wrexham, Wales. They formerly played in the North East Wales Championship, the fifth tier of the Welsh football league system, and played home matches at Bronwens Green.
The club was founded in 2020 by Andrew Ruscoe, Tom Winsper, and Morgan Churchill, following the dissolution of the Brickfield Rangers futsal programme.
History
[edit]The club was jointly-founded in 2020 by former Prestatyn Town F.C. manager Andrew Ruscoe, referee Tom Winsper and former Wrexham AFC Women player, Morgan Churchill, following the disbanding of the Brickfield Rangers Futsal team.[1][2]
FC United of Wrexham was established with the ambition of becoming a competitive presence in futsal, ultimately aspiring to qualify for the UEFA Futsal Champions League. From its inception, the club prioritized the development of local talent through its youth futsal academy, providing a foundation for players to advance to elite levels.[3]
The club has historically focused on fostering both male and female players, emphasizing inclusivity and equal opportunities. Efforts to promote women’s futsal alongside the men’s game were central to its mission, ensuring balanced representation and growth within the sport.[4]
Through its youth development programs and competitive opportunities, FC United of Wrexham aimed to contribute to the growth of futsal in Wales. These initiatives were intended to help produce players capable of representing Welsh national futsal teams at the highest levels and elevate the club's status within European futsal competitions.[5]
On 20 January 2023, FC United of Wrexham opened a fundraiser to help their under-12s Futsal side get a new kit representing the key landmarks within Wrexham such as the St Giles parish church. Three days later Ryan Reynolds, actor and co-owner of Wrexham A.F.C., gave a £1,600 donation, above their fundraiser goal of £480.[6][7] In response to this, the club decided to add the Deadpool logo onto the sleeve of the shirt.[6][8][9][10]
The club managed a senior men’s football team which competed in the North East Wales League Championship Division, and male, female and junior futsal teams.[1] The club's youth teams are futsal-focused, although the club has future plans in both football and futsal.[2]
The club had Brad Miguel as a player who later played in the World Cup qualifiers for St Vincent and The Grenadines. The team has also produced players for Crewe Alexandra, Wrexham A.F.C., and Great Britain Futsal[clarification needed][11], as well as Ruscoe's managing club Prestatyn Town. The team plans to advance into the upper tiers of both Welsh football and futsal, while also securing grants to develop Bronwens Green, their home ground.[1][2]
In May 2023, the club had 80 members, and relied on fundraising efforts to support their £14,072 annual costs.[12] In August 2023, the club played a charity match with Wrexham Police FC, raising £11,000 for the Wrexham Children's ward, with £10,000 coming from Wrexham A.F.C. co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.[13]
The club resigned from the league in June 2023, stating an intention to focus working on reinstating their Men's Futsal side and further strengthening their current youth futsal academy.[14] In November 2023, it announced Red Roach Records as its new sponsor.[15]
In January 2024, the club controversially received a donation of £5,000 from Tristan Tate, brother of Andrew Tate who faced criminal charges at the time. Following criticism on receiving the donation, particularly from local organisations and with sponsors pulling support for the club, the club refunded the donation. The club stated the donation would've substantially helped them as they are not-for-profit and were operating at a loss in most months.[16] However, the club later made the decision to refund the donation reflecting on the club's ethos and values, apologising and then defended the refund. The club's chairman conducted various interviews stating that accepting the donation could not be justified, and was "not morally right".[17][18] Tate described the action as "disappointing" and claimed it was refunded due to a "public outcry".[18]
In February 2024, Jonathan Ross, a renowned television presenter, donated an undisclosed sum to support the purchase of new kits for the club's Under-6 Girls' Futsal team. This generous contribution highlighted the growing recognition and support for the club's efforts to promote futsal at the grassroots level. In September 2024, as a gesture of gratitude, FC United of Wrexham sent a club shirt to Jonathan Ross. The presenter publicly acknowledged and thanked the club, further showcasing his support for their mission of fostering inclusivity and development in the sport.[19]
In March 2024, Welsh actor Michael Sheen donated £5,000 to the club, as part of its £12,000 goal on GoFundMe, set up due to the club's financial difficulties. The club described Sheen's donation as "a lifeline".[20]
In September 2024, FC United of Wrexham launched its official YouTube channel, ''Welcome To The Other Wrexham''. The channel features regular updates on the club, player experiences, highlights of their goals and key moments, as well as discussions on topics such as dyslexia and invisible illnesses. It also promotes local organizations and community projects. By November 2024, the channel had gained 3.06K subscribers and accumulated 83,325 views across 325 videos, making it one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels for a Welsh amateur football club.[21]
In October 2024, former professional footballer and Major League Soccer (MLS) referee Adam Alfi traveled 4,300 miles from Florida to celebrate with FC United of Wrexham Women’s team after their historic victory in the inaugural North East Wales Football Association (NEWFA) Women’s Futsal League. The team secured their first-ever domestic Wales Women's League Futsal title. Inspired by the team’s success, Mr. Alfi paid for a celebratory meal at Levante restaurant in Wrexham.[citation needed]
Mr. Alfi expressed his admiration for the community spirit and passion surrounding Wrexham and Wales, stating, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet everyone and immerse myself in the rich culture of Wrexham and Wales. Witnessing this team’s journey to victory has been inspiring—this is what the game is all about: connecting people across borders and celebrating each other’s successes.” He also took the opportunity to explore Wrexham's football culture, touring local grounds and observing the team at Ysgol Clywedog sports hall, where he also refereed the team and assisted an injured player with a concussion.[citation needed]
FC United of Wrexham chairman, Andrew Ruscoe, commented, "Winning this league is a landmark moment for our club. It reflects the immense dedication, passion, and teamwork that define FC United of Wrexham. Mr. Alfi’s visit and his generosity in funding our celebration underscore the global connection and community spirit that futsal can inspire."
Managerial history and coaching staff
[edit] |
List of managers
[edit]Information correct after match played on June 2023.
| Name | Nationality | From | To | Matches | Won | Drawn[a] | Lost | Win%[b] | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquim Ginja |  Portugal
|
22 December 2020 | 21 May 2021 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0.00 | N/A |
| Michael Hughes |  Wales
|
21 May 2021 | 6 November 2021 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.00 | |
| Malcolm Wareham | Wales
|
6 November 2021 | 12 March 2022 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 5.56 | |
| David Hughes | Wales
|
12 March 2022 | 3 September 2022 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0.00 | |
| Andrew Ruscoe | Wales
|
3 September 2022 | 19 June 2023 | 27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 37.04 |
Honours
[edit]This section lists the major honours and achievements of FC United of Wrexham, categorized by year.
2021
[edit]- Wrexham Leader Young Sports Person of the Year: Winners[citation needed]
- Wrexham Leader Courage of the Year: Winners [23][24]
2022
[edit]- Football vs Homophobia Cymru: Club Runner-Up[25]
- The National Futsal Alliance North West Futsal U12’s: Champions[citation needed]
2023
[edit]- The National Futsal Alliance English U12’s: Champions[26]
- The Cymru Cup:
- U13’s: Champions[27]
- U7’s: Champions[citation needed]
- U8’s: Runners-up[citation needed]
- U10’s: Champions[citation needed]
- The Crewe Cheshire FA Women’s Cup: Champions[citation needed]
- The Women’s Cymru Cup: Champions[citation needed]
- Wrexham Futsal U15’s Invitation Cup: Winners[citation needed]
- The F Jones Community Wrexham Award: Winners [28][29]
2024
[edit]- The National Futsal Alliance English U14’s: Runners-up[30][31]
- NEWFA Women’s Futsal League: Champions[32]
- The National Futsal Alliance Internationals: Our U14's represented Wales vs England in London[33]
Information correct as of November 2024.
Club Hall of Fame
[edit]The Club Hall of Fame celebrates individuals from FC United of Wrexham who have moved on to achieve professional success or recognition in football, futsal, or related fields.
2015
[edit]- Brad Miguel – Represented Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national football team in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, 2015.[34]
2020
[edit]- Jayden Roberts – Joined the youth team of Wrexham A.F.C., competing in the National League (Tier 5 of English Football), 2020.[citation needed]
2021
[edit] |
- Bruno Miguel – Joined Prestatyn Town F.C. in the JD Cymru North (Tier 2), 2021.
- George Yarwood – Joined Prestatyn Town F.C. in the JD Cymru North (Tier 2), 2021.
- Sebastian Kidd – Joined Prestatyn Town F.C. in the JD Cymru North (Tier 2), 2021.
- Kyrun Ruscoe – Joined the youth team of Oldham Athletic A.F.C., 2021.
- Andrew Ruscoe – Managed Prestatyn Town F.C. in the JD Cymru North (Tier 2), 2021.
2022
[edit]- Mthulisi Ndlovu – Joined Bala Town F.C. in the JD Cymru Premier (Tier 1), 2022.[citation needed]
- David Hughes – Coach for Cefn Druids A.F.C. in the JD Cymru North (Tier 2), 2022.[citation needed]
- Daniel Thewell – Joined the youth academy of Manchester City F.C., 2022.[citation needed]
- Malcolm Wareham - Joined as Manager of FC Queens Park, 2022.[citation needed]
- Lee Setter - Former Torquay United player, 2022[35]
- Jim Gray - Former Chester City player, 2022 (Also our oldest club player aged 60)[citation needed]
2023
[edit] |
- Miroslav Ivanov – Joined Bala Town F.C. in the JD Cymru Premier (Tier 1), 2023.
- Tom Winsper – Joined Everton F.C. in the Community in the Premier League, 2023.
- Morgan Churchill – Joined Birmingham Futsal in the National Futsal Series 2023.
- Osian Evans – Joined the youth team of Bala Town F.C., 2023.
- Gareth Downing – Former Arsenal F.C. youth player, joined the club as Assistant Manager, 2023
- Martyn Chalk – Former Wrexham AFC player, played 1 match for the club, 2023
2024
[edit]- Leah Davies – Joined Newtown FC Women in the Adran Premier (Tier 1), 2024.[citation needed]
- Paris Davies – Joined Newtown FC Women in the Adran Premier (Tier 1), 2024.[citation needed]
- Lewis Young – Joined the youth team of Bala Town F.C. and represented Wales, 2024.[citation needed]
- Ethan Evans – Coach at Oldham Athletic A.F.C., 2024.[36]
This section will continue to be updated as more FC United of Wrexham alumni achieve success in their careers.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Drawn matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws.
- ^ Win% is rounded to two decimal places.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Who are FC United of Wrexham? Read on…". NWSport. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ a b c "Future's Bright for FC United of Wrexham". LoveWrexham. 21 November 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "FC United of Wrexham looking forward to future". Leader Live. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "Former pro footballer and MLS referee to visit Wrexham". Leader Live. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "FC United of Wrexham". Bylines Cymru. 26 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Wrexham: Football chairman in tears after Ryan Reynolds donation". BBC News. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ @FCUtdofWxm (20 January 2023). "PLEASE RT: Our parents are trying to raise money to get the Under 12's a new kit which shows one of our amazing #Wrexham landmarks. If you could Retweet it would be hugely appreciated 😀🙌⚽️ To donate please click here 👉" (Tweet). Retrieved 20 January 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Ryan Reynolds donates £1,600 towards youth football team's new kit in Wrexham". Sky News. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Ryan Reynolds gives money towards youth football team kit in Wales". AOL. 22 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Ryan Reynolds: Actor buys kits for children's football team". Newsround. 24 January 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Four North Walians called up for futsal Euro qualifiers". Daily Post. 29 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Wrexham sports club supported by Ryan Reynolds 'fundraising to stay afloat'". The Leader. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- ^ "Charity football match raises incredible £11,000 for Wrexham Children's Ward". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- ^ "Club Statement". Twitter. FC United of Wrexham. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
- ^ "The future certainly looks bright at growing Wrexham club". The Leader. 23 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- ^ "Andrew Tate: Football club took £5k from alleged rapist's brother". BBC News. 20 January 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ FC United of Wrexham (21 November 2024). FC United of Wrexham Women's Futsal Team: Champions. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b "Football club defends decision to refund £5,000 donation from Andrew and Tristan Tate". Sky News. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
- ^ "FC United of Wrexham". Retrieved 29 November 2024.
- ^ "Michael Sheen backs club supported by Ryan Reynolds". BBC News. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Welcome To The Other Wrexham YouTube Channel". YouTube. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Former MLS referee travels 4,300 miles to celebrate with FC United of Wrexham". Leader Live. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Leader Community Heroes 2021 - Courage Award". The Leader. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Leader Community Heroes 2021 - Courage Award". The Leader. 20 December 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Wrexham football clubs go head-to-head for prize". The Leader. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "FC United of Wrexham youngsters win major competition". The Leader. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "Much talent on show at Wrexham Futsal Finals event". The Leader. 6 August 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "Dedicated football coach latest to receive F.J. Jones Initiative Award". The Leader. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Andrew Ruscoe". F. Jones Initiative. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Wrexham Futsal players have shown off their skills against the best in England". The Leader. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "London calling for talented young Wrexham futsal players". Leader Live. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ "FC United of Wrexham Women's Futsal Team wins title". Leader Live. 21 November 2024.
- ^ "London calling for talented young Wrexham futsal players". LeaderLive. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Williams, Dave (10 July 2015). "Brad Miguel scores debut country goal in 4-2 victory over Slovakia". Daily Post. Reach plc. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "Torquay United's Yellow Army Podcast: Gulls' great memories from the National League". Devon Live. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ Cain, Nick (25 November 2024). "Young coach from Wrexham lands role at Oldham Athletic". LeaderLive. Reach plc. Retrieved 26 November 2024.