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."
The National Futsal Alliance U14's Anglo-Welsh International Trophy: Champions[citation needed]
Information correct as of December 2024.
Club Hall of Fame
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.