That brings us to arguably the most important part of Wrexham’s long-term strategy: the academy.
The men’s first team may currently dominate the narrative, but academies define whether clubs can survive success.
Promotions can accelerate growth, but sustainable clubs build pathways that outlast individual owners, managers or players.
Wrexham’s reputation in identifying and nurturing talent from the wider north Wales area goes back decades with players such as Joey Jones, Mickey Thomas and, more recently, Max Cleworth, who played the most minutes of any Wrexham player this season.
For years Wrexham’s youth infrastructure struggled because of financial instability and the club’s decline outside the Football League, meaning they missed out on signing local talent.
Wales internationals Harry Wilson and Neco Williams could be seen as prime examples of players who could have been captured by Wrexham’s youth system.
The pair, both born in Wrexham, had to turn to the Liverpool academy instead, and have since forged careers in the Premier League.
Wrexham’s return to the EFL in 2023 changed the potential for the club’s academy structure. They have rebuilt it under the Elite Player Performance Plan system, securing category three status and expanding opportunities for younger age groups from under-nines to under-21s.
Additionally, Wrexham women have been granted a Football Association of Wales (FAW) National Girls Academi licence, meaning the club will be supported by the FAW to drive participation in women’s football.
Gus Williams was appointed academy manager in October. He has been particularly impressed by the owners’ commitment to youth development.
“Rob and Ryan view the academy with high respect and high expectations in terms of what it can deliver for the club,” said Williams.
“The investment that they’ve already placed into the academy is between £2-3m in terms of infrastructure, and now further investments demonstrate the sincerity of the statements that they’ve made about the academy.
“It’s our responsibility now to make sure that we acknowledge the past, we admire the present and we plan for the future.”
The club plan to commit to the next generation via a multi-million-pound investment in the academy training facility to be built in partnership with Darland High School which includes new pitches and improved educational spaces.
