Wrexham Association Football Club (AFC) is a professional association football club based in Wrexham, Wales, that competes in League One, the third tier of the English football league system. Founded in 1864, it is the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest professional association football team in the world. The club plays its home matches at the Racecourse Ground, the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use. Since February 2021, Wrexham has gained unprecedented global fame under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whose stewardship has revitalized the club and the surrounding community.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore the rich 160-year history of the Red Dragons, from their early days in the Welsh Cup to their modern-day Hollywood transformation. We will cover their iconic stadium, the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary phenomenon, key legendary players, and practical information for fans looking to visit North Wales. Whether you are a lifelong supporter or a new fan from across the Atlantic, this is the definitive deep dive into Wrexham AFC.
Club Origins and Early History
Wrexham AFC was formed on October 4, 1864, at the Turf Hotel by members of the Wrexham Cricket Club who wanted a sporting activity for the winter months. Their first game was played against the Prince of Wales Fire Brigade, marking the beginning of organized football in North Wales.
The club was a founding member of the Welsh Football Association in 1876 and won the inaugural Welsh Cup in 1878. During these formative years, Wrexham established themselves as a dominant force in regional football, frequently competing in both English and Welsh competitions to sharpen their professional edge.
The Racecourse Ground Legacy
The Racecourse Ground is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest international football stadium that still hosts international matches. It originally opened as a cricket and horse racing venue before becoming the permanent home of Wrexham AFC shortly after the club’s inception.
The stadium has a current capacity of approximately 12,600, following the reopening of the temporary Kop stand to meet surging demand. It has hosted more Wales international home matches than any other ground, cementing its status as a spiritual home for Welsh football.
Iconic FA Cup Giant-Killings
Wrexham earned a reputation as “Giant Killers” following their legendary 2-1 victory over reigning league champions Arsenal in the 1992 FA Cup third round. Mickey Thomas’s famous free-kick remains one of the most celebrated moments in the history of the competition.
The club reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 1974, 1978, and 1997, consistently punching above their weight against top-flight English opposition. These runs provided essential revenue and national visibility during eras when the club struggled in the lower tiers of the league.
The 2008 Relegation Struggle
In 2008, Wrexham suffered a devastating relegation from the English Football League (EFL) to the National League after 87 years of continuous membership. This period was marked by severe financial instability, ownership disputes, and the threat of the club losing its stadium.
The club spent 15 seasons in the non-league “wilderness,” often coming close to promotion but failing in the playoffs. During this time, the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST) took over ownership, saving the club from liquidation and ensuring its survival until the Hollywood takeover.
The Reynolds and McElhenney Era
In February 2021, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney officially completed their purchase of Wrexham AFC through their company, RR McReynolds Company LLC. Their goal was to grow the club, return it to the EFL, and improve the local community while documenting the journey.
The takeover brought immediate investment in the playing squad, coaching staff, and infrastructure, including a long-term lease for the Racecourse Ground. Their involvement transformed the club’s commercial value, securing global sponsorships with brands like United Airlines and TikTok.
Welcome to Wrexham Documentary
The FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham premiered in 2022, chronicling the actors’ journey as owners and the lives of the people in the town. The show became a global hit, winning multiple Emmy Awards and introducing the club to millions of fans in the United States and beyond.
The documentary’s success created a “tourist boom” in Wrexham, with international visitors traveling to North Wales specifically to see the stadium and visit The Turf pub. It has been credited with humanizing the business of sports ownership and highlighting the emotional weight of lower-league football.
Historic 2022-2023 Promotion Season
The 2022-2023 season was a record-breaking campaign that saw Wrexham secure the National League title with a staggering 111 points. A climactic 3-1 win over Boreham Wood at the Racecourse Ground mathematically sealed their return to the EFL after a 15-year absence.
This season featured an intense rivalry with Notts County, which pushed both teams to unprecedented statistical heights. Paul Mullin’s goal-scoring exploits and Ben Foster’s dramatic last-minute penalty save against Notts County were the defining highlights of the year.
Back-to-Back Promotions Success
Following their return to League Two for the 2023-2024 season, Wrexham achieved an immediate second consecutive promotion by finishing in the top three. This “back-to-back” success propelled the club into League One for the first time since 2005.
The feat placed Wrexham among a rare group of clubs to climb two tiers of the English pyramid in just two years. This momentum solidified the club’s status as a rising power in the EFL and proved that the ownership’s investment strategy was sustainable on the pitch.
Paul Mullin: Modern Legend
Paul Mullin joined Wrexham in 2021 from Cambridge United, a move that shocked many as he dropped down a division after winning the League Two Golden Boot. Since then, he has become the talisman of the club, scoring over 100 goals in his first three seasons.
Mullin is revered not just for his scoring ability but for his connection to the fans and his community work. His importance to the team was highlighted in the documentary, making him one of the most recognizable footballers outside of the Premier League.
Phil Parkinson’s Tactical Leadership
Manager Phil Parkinson was appointed in July 2021, bringing a wealth of EFL experience to the Racecourse. Known for his pragmatic and winning approach, Parkinson has successfully managed the high-pressure environment created by the club’s global profile.
Under his leadership, Wrexham adopted a resilient 3-5-2 system that emphasizes wing-back play and clinical finishing. His ability to manage “big personalities” and navigate the grueling schedule of the lower leagues has been fundamental to the club’s recent trophies.
Rivalry with Chester FC
The Cross-Border Derby between Wrexham and Chester is one of the most intense rivalries in British football. Although Chester is in England and Wrexham is in Wales, the two cities are separated by just 12 miles, leading to fierce local pride.
Matches between the two are often designated as “bubble matches,” requiring high levels of police presence and strict travel restrictions for fans. While the teams have not played regularly in recent years due to being in different divisions, the rivalry remains a core part of the club’s identity.
The Role of The Turf Pub
The Turf Hotel, located adjacent to the Racecourse Ground, is arguably the most famous football pub in the world. Its landlord, Wayne Jones, became a central figure in the Welcome to Wrexham series, representing the voice of the local supporter.
The pub serves as the pre-match hub for fans and is the site where the club was originally founded in 1864. Today, it attracts thousands of tourists annually who come to soak in the atmosphere and see the memorabilia-filled walls.
Youth Academy and Development
Wrexham has a long history of producing talented players through its youth system, with the academy recently regaining “Category 3” status. This upgrade allows the club to recruit more effectively and provides a better pathway for local Welsh talent to reach the first team.
Notable graduates include players who have gone on to represent the Wales national team and play in the Premier League. The owners have emphasized that long-term success depends on a sustainable pipeline of homegrown talent alongside marquee signings.
Community and Economic Impact
The “Wrexham Effect” refers to the massive economic boost the city has received since the 2021 takeover. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants have reported record profits due to the influx of international visitors and increased local pride.
The club’s charitable arm, the Wrexham AFC Community Trust, runs programs focused on health, education, and inclusion. This community-first approach has ensured that the “Hollywood” fame benefits the working-class residents who have supported the club for generations.
Practical Information and Planning
Visiting the Racecourse Ground
Wrexham is located in North East Wales, approximately 45 minutes from Liverpool and Manchester by car. The stadium is a short 5-minute walk from Wrexham General railway station, making it highly accessible for those traveling by train.
Matchday Tickets
- Demand: Tickets for home games almost always sell out within minutes of going on sale.
- Membership: Priority is given to official club members; international fans should join the “International Dragon” membership for a chance at tickets.
- Prices: Adult tickets generally range from £20 to £30 depending on the stand and match category.
Stadium Tours and Retail
The club offers guided stadium tours that take fans into the dressing rooms, through the tunnel, and into the board room. The official club shop is located at the stadium and stocks a wide range of merchandise, though the popular home kits often sell out quickly.
What to Expect
A Wrexham matchday is a mix of traditional Welsh football culture and modern international fanfare. Expect a loud, passionate atmosphere with plenty of singing, and don’t be surprised to hear American accents in the stands alongside local North Walian dialects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Wrexham AFC?
AFC is owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney through their company, RR McReynolds Company LLC. They purchased the club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust in February 2021 for approximately £2 million.
What league does Wrexham play in?
As of the 2024-2025 season, Wrexham plays in League One, which is the third tier of the English football league system. They reached this level following back-to-back promotions from the National League and League Two.
Is Wrexham in England or Wales?
Wrexham is a city located in North East Wales. Although the club is Welsh, it plays in the English football league system, a common arrangement for several Welsh clubs like Cardiff City and Swansea City.
How old is Wrexham AFC?
Wrexham AFC was founded in 1864, making it 160 years old as of 2024. It holds the title of the oldest professional football club in Wales and the third-oldest in the world.
Can I visit the stadium from the documentary?
Yes, the Racecourse Ground is open for matches and scheduled tours. Visitors are also welcome to visit The Turf pub, which is located on the stadium grounds and featured prominently in the Welcome to Wrexham series.
Why do they play in the English league?
When Wrexham was founded, there was no professional Welsh national league. To play at a professional level, Wrexham and other top Welsh teams joined the English system, where they have remained ever since.
How many times has Wrexham been promoted under the new owners?
Wrexham has achieved two promotions under the ownership of Reynolds and McElhenney. They won the National League in 2023 and earned automatic promotion from League Two in 2024.
Who is Wrexham’s top scorer?
Historically, Tommy Bamford holds the record with 201 goals. In the modern era, Paul Mullin is the most prolific scorer, having surpassed the 100-goal mark for the club in just three seasons.
What is the capacity of the Racecourse Ground?
The stadium currently holds around 12,600 spectators. Plans are underway to rebuild the “Kop” end, which will eventually increase the total capacity to approximately 16,000.
Where can I watch “Welcome to Wrexham”?
The documentary series is available to stream on Disney+ internationally and on FX/Hulu in the United States. It currently has multiple seasons covering the takeover and subsequent promotion campaigns.
How much are Wrexham tickets?
Match tickets typically cost between £20 and £30 for adults. However, due to extreme demand, tickets are difficult to obtain without a club membership and early access.
Final Thoughts
The transformation of Wrexham AFC from a struggling non-league side to a global sporting phenomenon represents one of the most unique narratives in modern football. While the Hollywood ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney provided the initial spark, the club’s success is deeply rooted in its 160-year identity and the unwavering loyalty of the North Wales community. As the club climbs the English Football League pyramid, the focus remains on sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and honoring the “Giant Killer” spirit that defined its early history.
Looking ahead, the rebuilding of the iconic Kop stand and the continued expansion of the global fan base suggest that Wrexham’s journey is only just beginning. The club has proved that with the right investment and a respect for local heritage, a traditional “town club” can compete on the world stage without losing its soul. Whether you are following the scores from Wrexham or watching from halfway across the world, the Red Dragons continue to redefine what is possible in the beautiful game.
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