Club Profile
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Overview
Wrexham Association Football Club is based in Wrexham, Wales. Established in 1864, it holds the distinction of being the oldest football club in Wales and ranks as the third-oldest professional football team globally. The club currently competes in the EFL Championship, the second tier of the English football league system.
History
The origins of Wrexham date back to 12 October 1863, when local businessmen formed the United Volunteer Services Club to encourage young men in the town to engage in sporting activities rather than spending time in public houses. This initiative led to the formal establishment of Wrexham Football Club on 4 October 1864 at the Turf Tavern. Their first match, played on 22 October 1864 at the Denbighshire County Cricket Ground (later the Racecourse Ground), ended in a 2–1 defeat against the Prince of Wales Fire Brigade.
In its early years, the club advocated for restricting matches to eleven players per side and participated in the inaugural Welsh Cup in 1877–78, winning the competition. Following temporary disputes with landlords and a brief name change to Wrexham Athletic, the club returned to the Racecourse Ground in 1883, securing its second Welsh Cup. Wrexham competed in various leagues including The Combination and the Welsh League before joining the Birmingham and District League in 1905, claiming multiple Welsh Cups during this era.
In 1921, Wrexham became a founding member of the Football League Third Division North. Key figures such as Tommy Bamford and Albert Mays contributed to strong performances throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Post-World War II, the club toured abroad and achieved notable FA Cup runs, including a record attendance of 34,445 against Manchester United in 1957.
The late 1960s to the 1980s saw fluctuating fortunes, with promotions, relegations, and European Cup Winners’ Cup appearances, including reaching the quarter-finals in 1975–76. During the 1990s, Wrexham became renowned for its “giant-killing” FA Cup performances, most famously defeating Arsenal in 1992.
The club entered a modern era of success following the 2020 takeover by actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, which brought financial stability and international attention through the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.
Competition Performance
Domestically, Wrexham has won the Welsh Cup a record 23 times and the FAW Premier Cup five times. They secured the Football League Trophy in 2005 and the FA Trophy in 2013. After five failed play-off attempts in the National League, Wrexham achieved an unprecedented three consecutive promotions from 2022 to 2025, winning the National League and finishing runners-up in both EFL League Two and EFL League One, earning promotion to the EFL Championship.
Internationally, Wrexham competed in the European Cup Winners’ Cup on multiple occasions, reaching the quarter-finals in 1976. They recorded notable victories against FC Porto and held draws against teams including Real Zaragoza and Anderlecht, though changes in UEFA regulations later restricted Welsh clubs in the English system from European qualification via the Welsh Cup.
Stadium
Wrexham plays its home games at the Racecourse Ground, the oldest international stadium still in use today. The club briefly relocated to Rhosddu Recreation Ground during 1881–83 due to rent disputes before returning permanently to the Racecourse. The ground has hosted numerous historic matches, including the record attendance in 1957 against Manchester United. Key developments include the completion of the Yale Stand in 1972–73, which added 5,500 capacity to the stadium.
Identity
Wrexham’s identity is deeply tied to its heritage as Wales’ oldest football club. The club’s badge, updated in 1973–74, features three feathers and two dragons symbolising its Welsh roots. Its supporters, known for their loyalty and the creation of a passionate fanbase, have helped cultivate the club’s international recognition, particularly after the 2020 ownership change. Wrexham has also earned a reputation as a “giant-killer” due to its unexpected cup victories against top-tier teams. While ownership has influenced the club’s modern image, traditional values and local pride remain central to its character.
Rivalries
The club's main rivals are Chester, against whom they contest the Cross-border derby. Although Wrexham are Welsh and Chester English, the clubs are only 10 miles apart. The first match between them was in 1888, with Wrexham winning 3-2. This derby is known for being particularly intense and occasionally violent.
Due to geographical proximity, Wrexham also share intense rivalries with Shrewsbury Town and Tranmere Rovers. To a lesser extent, Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale — along with fellow Welsh clubs Cardiff City, Newport County, and Swansea City — are also considered rivals, though divisional differences have limited the frequency of these encounters.