Hundreds of local youngsters are set to benefit from the development of Wrexham AFC’s Academy facility at Darland High School, Rossett, the club has said.

The proposed development was announced in July, with the football club subsequently granted EFL Category Three academy status – enabling them to continue to support the development of young footballers aged from 9-18 years old.

On Monday, the development was given the green light by Wrexham Council's planning committee, despite strong objections from some councillors. 

More than 120 boys will form part of the Wrexham AFC Academy every season, with the club not just looking to unearth the next Paul Mullin, Elliot Lee or Max Cleworth but also support education and development off the pitch too.

The multi-million pound investment in the facility will see those youngsters benefit from programmes encompassing individual and team coaching, education, safeguarding, welfare, performance, sport science, medical, nutrition and a comprehensive life skills offering. All members of the academy, which is supported by 35 staff, will also follow individualised transition programmes and support for pathways away from playing too.

Benefits also extend into the local community, with Darland High School pupils able to access the new facilities for school and extra-curricular activity. The partnership with Darland will enhance the school’s curriculum in areas such as Physical Education, Science, Media and History.

The state-of-the-art sports pitches will elevate PE provision at the school for both Darland students but also local feeder primary schools too – with the latter to enjoy termly activities as part of the collaboration, further strengthening community connections.

Alison Edwards, whose son, Oliver, is both a student at Darland High School and a member of the Wrexham AFC Academy said of the development: “I just think that it is massive. My child has been with Wrexham now for four seasons and we just need a base – to have an identity.

“The kids are also looking forward to having an educational side added into their football. They’re aware of it going on at other clubs, and they want the same opportunities.

“I just think that the project is such a positive thing. I can’t see any negatives to it - it is happening on unused fields at the moment, and those fields will still be fields if this gets the go-ahead, they’ll just have football goals on."

She added: “It will still be in a lovely countryside setting, there are no high-rises or horrific eyesores of a building going there. I only see it as a positive thing for the school and the kids in the academy.

“My child mentioned to me when he came home from school that they are already talking about seeing the players when they are going back into form or back into class. Realistically, they are seen in person as people who could be stars of the future for Wrexham. It’s exciting for the kids.”

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The facility will incorporate three full-size, 11-a-side pitches as well as two smaller pitches for younger age-group teams. There will also be buildings to provide changing rooms, office and meeting space, a medical facility and office, new gymnasium and a new classroom.

Having been promoted to the EFL in 2023, after a 15-year absence, Wrexham needed to be granted Category Three (or above) status in order to continue to support children aged 17 and under. A Club with Category Four academy status can only run teams at Under-19 level.

The proposed development and subsequent granting of Category Three academy status therefore ensured Wrexham can continue to play their part in bettering the lives of local children.

Another academy parent, Maria Hobbs, said: “As a parent this development is important to me; for my son to know he is safe and happy is a priority. The academy has done this for me and I can only pray this continues.

“The academy is keeping my son on track in life and keeping him from the dangers of the streets of today.

“These children are the future. Please make it brighter for them and keep giving them a purpose and keeping them safe."

Wrexham AFC Academy Manager Andy Lowe with Darland High School headteacher Joanne LeeWrexham AFC Academy Manager Andy Lowe with Darland High School headteacher Joanne Lee (Image: Wrexham AFC)

Darland High School headteacher, Joanne Lee, said: “We are delighted to work with the Wrexham AFC Academy to provide our students with exceptional opportunities.

“This partnership is not just about football; it’s about inspiring our young people and building stronger ties with our community.”

A Wrexham AFC Club spokesperson added: “The facility at Darland High School will help to impact lives within the surrounding areas annually for years to come.

“This will assist with the development of local talent from the surrounding areas being nurtured both on and off the pitch, allowing for them to become better members of the local community, as well as better footballers.”