Wrexham AFC praised in the Senedd after promotion

The success of Wrexham AFC was highlighted in the Senedd this week after a long-awaited return to the Football League was sealed on Saturday.

After attracting new fans from around the world, the team has been congratulated by MSs following a famous 3-1 win over Boreham Wood which saw them crowned National League champions.

Ken Skates led the way after being called to speak in Tuesday’s Business Statement.

Addressing Trefnydd and Minister for North Wales, Lesley Griffiths, the Clwyd South MS said: “I would very much welcome a statement from the Government concerning the success of Wrexham AFC at the weekend. It was a remarkable match. I know you were in attendance.

“More than 10,000 fans behaved impeccably at all times, likewise the players, and a special shout out should go to the Wrexham Supporters Trust.”

He added: “I’d very much welcome quarterly progress updates on the Wrexham Gateway, which the Welsh Government has invested £25m in, as well as any indication of how the Welsh Government may support Wrexham in celebrating the promotion of its fantastic football team.”

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates

Ms Griffiths responded: “Thank you, Ken. I know you were also in attendance. I don’t know if you’ve had the briefing that I’ve had today to say there were no arrests made at all. So, I think North Wales Police are very proud of that, and I’m certainly very proud of that. I’m sure Ken will be too.

“I think it’s also good to pay tribute to the Wrexham Supporters Trust, though I do declare an interest that I was a director on the board. Without that trust we would not have had a football club.”

She added: “The point around the Wrexham Gateway is really important because it’s not just about the football club, it’s about getting international matches back to Wrexham. We would love to see our national football team who, of course, have done so well.”

Mr Skates also tabled a Statement of Opinion which other Members are able to support or oppose.

It reads: “This Senedd: 1) Congratulates Wrexham AFC on its promotion back to the English Football League; 2) Commends the huge efforts of all involved at the club, including the many volunteers, in helping the team achieve promotion; 3) Recognises the significant economic impact Wrexham AFC has on the city and looks forward to the club’s further success; 4) Endorses the Welsh Government’s support of the football club as part of the Wrexham Gateway project.”

Any MS, other than a member of the Welsh Government, is able to table Statements of Opinion. They are a mechanism for Members to draw attention to issues of concern or highlight achievements by putting their views on a subject on record and inviting support from other Members.

So far Mr Skates’ statement has been supported by fellow Labour Members Jack Sargeant (Alyn & Deeside) and Carolyn Thomas (North Wales), as well as Lib Dem Jane Dodds (Mid and West Wales).