Wrexham AFC reveals details of academy plans

Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter

Plans by Wrexham AFC to create a new academy training facility have formally been put forward.

The Hollywood-owned club announced in July this year that it had signed heads of terms for the multi-million pound development at Darland High School in Rossett.

A planning application has now been submitted to Wrexham Council seeking approval for five pitches and two buildings next to the school to support the League One club’s youth system.

If approved, the proposals will result in the creation of changing rooms, offices, meeting rooms, a medical room, a gym and a new classroom, along with shipping containers to be used by a groundsperson.

The plans were integral to the Red Dragons being granted EFL Category Three academy status earlier this year to allow the club to field teams across all age groups from under-9s upwards.

Education

It came after concerns were initially raised that the football club would forced to remain at Category Four level due to the lack of a dedicated academy facility, and therefore only able to operate at under-17s level and above.

However, Category Three status was later confirmed after the Professional Game Academy Audit Company gave more time to bring the infrastructure up to the required standard.

In a planning statement, agents acting on the club’s behalf said: “The delivery of a new academy training facility at Darland High School is considered a key component in the club gaining status as an EFL Category 3 Academy from the 2024/25 season, following a successful full audit assessment.

“The training facility will be used by the WAFC academy teams, from ages nine to 18.

“The proposed academy buildings will enable the development and education of young athletes both on and off the pitch.

“This statement has identified the significant benefits to both the club and wider community as a result of the proposed development.

“It is therefore respectfully requested that the proposals are recommended for approval and planning permission granted.”

The club was granted Category 3 status in July for an initial 12-month period, with a further review expected to follow.

If successful, it’s expected Wrexham will be granted a further three-year licence to continue to develop its youth set-up.

Co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have previously highlighted the importance of bringing young players through to improve the club’s sustainability.

Speaking in July, Wrexham AFC chief executive Michael Williamson said: “Congratulations go to all involved in helping to set up the EFL-licensed academy, allowing us to realise our ambitions as we look to continue to nurture young talent from across north Wales.

“The co-chairmen have outlined their ambition to create a sustainable football club, and the investment in the academy training facilities along with the Category Three achievement is certainly a key milestone towards that objective.”

A decision will be made on the planning application by the local authority at a later date.