Welsh Government pressing ahead with plans to develop a National Football Museum in Wrexham

Plans to create a National Football Museum in Wrexham are advancing despite the difficulties created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, who has championed Wrexham as the ideal location for a national museum dedicated to the beautiful game, recently received an update on its progress.

In his statement, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, confirms a steering group has been established to develop a national football museum as part of Wrexham Museum.

Wrexham Council is leading the project and the Welsh Government is keen to work “alongside communities to encourage participation” and “inspire visitors from all backgrounds.”

A business plan and case for investment was completed during the summer and its recommendations are currently being considered by the steering group, with particular focus on maximising the available space in the current museum building.

The Welsh Government believes the project will complement other developments in the town including the FAW National Training Centre at Collier’s Park, the Wrexham FC Professional Training Centre at the Groves, and the Wrexham Gateway redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “In spite of the challenges created by Covid-19, I am pleased the Welsh Government is pressing ahead with its plans and is determined to see a National Football Museum become a reality in Wrexham.

“The town has always been the rightful home of Welsh football but the impending takeover of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has helped raise our footballing profile furthermore on a global scale.

“Coupled with the Wrexham Gateway project, there is an opportunity to achieve something truly special and transformative for the town.  Establishing the museum and securing the investment would be a major boost and I determined to see this project materialise.”