Wrexham Women Prepare for Historic Home Debut at The Rock

Wrexham Women’s football team is on the verge of making history as they prepare to play their inaugural official home game at The Rock, a facility located in Rhosymedre, on the outskirts of Wrexham. The team will face off against Swansea City in the Genero Adran Premier this Sunday.

Transition to a New Home

This venue is not entirely new for the players; they have been training at The Rock for the past two seasons. However, extensive renovations have transformed it into their official home ground, marking the start of a promising new chapter for the club under the enthusiastic ownership of Hollywood figures Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Head coach Jenny Sugarman stated, “We obviously hoped it would have been ready for us (for the start of the season), but there was a lot of work that the club have had to do… when we do walk out here for our first game that it’s in the right kind of conditions, and that we’re not cutting corners.”

Investment in Development

The facility, previously home to Cefn Druids, is undergoing significant upgrades to meet Football Association of Wales (FAW) standards. Improvements include:

• Reinstallation of electrical power
• Upgraded floodlights
• Enhanced fencing
• Pitch condition improvements

These enhancements have caused delays, forcing Wrexham Women to play their home fixtures 11 miles away in Buckley. Sugarman expressed excitement about the ongoing developments and the club’s commitment to a long-term vision for the site.

A Vision Beyond the Pitch

The ambition of Wrexham’s ownership extends beyond just the men’s team, with Reynolds and McElhenney actively supporting the women’s section. Having achieved semi-professional status last season and aiming for a top finish in the league, the women’s team is gaining attention.

Sugarman noted, “This is a club that’s ambitious for its women’s team and are actually going to back that up.” This sentiment is echoed through new appointments in the women’s football management structure, including Mark Swales as the new director of women’s football. Sugarman herself brings over 25 years of experience, having worked with prominent clubs like West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa.

Setting Ambitions

As Wrexham Women gear up for their match against third-placed Swansea, Sugarman emphasizes the importance of establishing their identity at this new home. She aims for standard-setting performance in the league, stating, “We want to be the best team in Wales… it’s been a long time coming for north Wales in particular for women’s football to really be put on the map here.”

The upcoming match is not just a debut; it’s a step towards solidifying a legacy for Wrexham Women FC within the landscape of Welsh football.