Wrexham Football Club isn’t just any football team—it’s one of the oldest clubs in the world. The rich history of Wrexham football club goes back over 150 years. From its early years as a small Welsh side to becoming a growing global brand today, Wrexham FC’s story is one of hard work, pride, and passion. And now, with new owners and more eyes on the team than ever before, the Wrexham FC new era is shaking things up for good.
The History of Wrexham Football Club: How It All Started
Wrexham AFC, as the club is officially known, was formed in 1864. It holds the title of the oldest football club in Wales and the third-oldest professional football club in the world. The club was founded by a group of cricketers who wanted a winter sport to play. They met at the Turf Hotel—right next to where the Racecourse Ground still stands today.
Early Highlights:
- 1864: Wrexham FC was founded.
- 1877: Became a founding member of the Welsh Cup.
- 1878: Won the first-ever Welsh Cup tournament.
The club stayed active in regional tournaments, slowly building a loyal fanbase. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wrexham continued to grow and compete in various leagues across the UK.
The Racecourse Ground – A Historic Home
The Racecourse Ground has been the official home of Wrexham since 1864. It’s the oldest international football stadium still in use and has seen countless memorable matches. From key league games to international fixtures, the stadium has been a vital part of Welsh football history.
| Year | Historic Moments at Racecourse Ground |
|---|---|
| 1877 | Hosted first match in the Welsh Cup |
| 1906 | First official international match (Wales v. Scotland) |
| 1957 | Record attendance of 34,445 vs Manchester United |
With so much history tied to one place, it’s more than just a stadium—it’s a symbol of Wrexham’s past and future.
Climbing the Ranks: Wrexham’s League Journey
Over the decades, Wrexham competed in a number of leagues. For most of the 20th century, they operated in the lower divisions of the Football League. But moments of glory were sprinkled in.
Key Achievements:
- 1977–78: Reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
- 1984: Beat Porto in the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
- 1992: Famous FA Cup win over Arsenal, the reigning First Division champions at that time.
Still, financial issues and mismanagement led the club into trouble. In 2008, Wrexham was relegated from the Football League to the National League. This would start a 15-year stay outside the top four tiers of English football.
Falling and Rising Again: The Struggles in Non-League
Spending years in the National League was tough. With limited revenue and no automatic promotion seasons, it became hard for Wrexham to climb back up. The team came close multiple times, including a dramatic playoff final loss in 2013,
But the fanbase never gave up. Supporters created fan groups, held fundraising events, and even ran operations themselves for a short time. The love for the club never faded.
The Wrexham FC New Era: Hollywood Attention
In 2020, everything changed. American actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham. The purchase shocked fans everywhere. People wondered—why would two celebrities want to manage a club from the fifth tier of English football?
But the duo had clear goals: invest in the club, improve the stadium, support the local town, and bring Wrexham back to the Football League. Their takeover created global buzz, and the story was even turned into a hit documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham.
What Changed:
- Increased sponsorship deals (e.g., TikTok, Expedia)
- Global media coverage
- Stadium renovations and training upgrades
- A rapid rise in merchandise sales worldwide
Back to the Football League
After over a decade in the National League, Wrexham secured promotion in April 2023. They won the league with 111 points, earning the title and breaking records.
2022–23 Season Stats:
- Points: 111 (new National League record)
- Wins: 34 out of 46 games
- Leading scorer: Paul Mullin with 38 goals
That win sparked celebrations far beyond Wales. From Los Angeles to New York, fans tuned in to watch their team rise again. The Wrexham oldest football club was finally back in the Football League.
Culture, Fans, and the Wrexham Community
Football in Wrexham isn’t just about the game—it’s about the community. Generations of families grew up supporting the club. People pass down support from father to son, mother to daughter. That spirit never wavered, even in the dark times.
The new owners have grown this relationship by helping local businesses, supporting community programs, and keeping ticket prices fair. One fan described Wrexham’s new era as “the best of both worlds—fame and family.”
A Worldwide Fanbase
Thanks to the club’s growing online presence and the success of their documentary, Wrexham now has fans across the globe. Shirts are shipped to countries around the world, and social media numbers have exploded since 2021.
Wrexham FC Fan Growth (2020-2023):
| Platform | 2020 Followers | 2023 Followers |
|---|---|---|
| 75,000 | 480,000 | |
| 40,000 | 550,000 | |
| TikTok (New) | 0 | 1.2 million |
The club’s global appeal is strong and still growing, bringing Wrexham more exposure and financial muscle than ever before.
What’s Next for Wrexham FC?
The goal now is to secure stability in League Two and aim for more promotion. The owners have made clear that they want to reach the Championship eventually. While that’s not easy, Wrexham FC now has the tools and support to reach for bigger goals.
Future Plans:
- Upgrade the Racecourse Ground to support larger crowds.
- Expand youth and academy programs.
- Strengthen the squad with well-planned transfers.
- Improve training facilities for both men’s and women’s teams.
Every small win counts. Each season brings more hope to a fanbase that has waited a long time for these moments.
Why Wrexham FC’s Story Matters
The story of Wrexham isn’t just about football. It’s about heritage, loyalty, and starting over when things fall apart. It teaches us that even the oldest clubs can find new life.
The Wrexham FC story reminds the world that small clubs can still make a big impact. With the right leadership, community, and a bit of star power, anything is possible.
Key Takeaways:
- Wrexham is the oldest football club in Wales.
- The club faced serious troubles but bounced back stronger.
- Global fame from a Hollywood-backed documentary changed everything.
- Fans and tradition still make up the heart of Wrexham FC.
Let’s Talk!
Are you a life-long Wrexham fan or just got into the team recently? We want to hear your thoughts:
- What’s your favorite Wrexham match?
- Have you been to the Racecourse Ground?
- How has the club inspired you?
Drop a comment below, share your Wrexham memory, or tag us in your photos wearing the red jersey. The story’s still being written—and you’re part of it.
To learn more about football history and ongoing matches in the lower leagues, check out the official National League site.