Ambitious new chairman takes helm at FC United of Wrexham as part of fresh sponsorship deal

A Tier 5 football club has secured a sponsorship deal which brings with it an ambitious new chairman.

Geraint Hopwood wants FC United of Wrexham to leave a lasting legacy in the community.

The North East Wales Football League Championship club have agreed a sponsorship package with Wrexham-based electrical recycling based organisation A1 Computer Recycling Wales.

Part of this deal will see local businessman, charity worker and local football grassroots enthusiast Mr Hopwood become chairman of the two-year-old club.

The Bronwen Green based club’s founder member and previous chairman, now sporting director Andrew Ruscoe, who helped secure the deal, said: “FC United of Wrexham are excited to be entering into a new partnership with the community-minded A1 Computer Recycling Wales and welcoming our new chairman Geraint Hopwood.

“I have known Geraint for some time now and I have been impressed with the support he has provided locally with clubs like Johnstown, Gresford and Brickfield Rangers .

“The opportunity to develop our existing facilities and services, with the support of Geraint and A1 Computer Recycling is a huge step forward for us as a multi-sport club, which will hopefully grow our youth and adult legacy within the town of Wrexham and nationally.”

He added: “Geraint, who is the owner of our new club sponsor A1 Computer Recycling, shares the same values, long-term vision and ambitions as myself. It only feels right that I now step down as chairman and allow someone fresh to drive the club into a different direction, whilst supporting Geraint’s new approach with my new role.

“Our vision is to get to Tier 2 of Welsh football within 20 years and into the UEFA Futsal Champions League within 7 years. With the support, backing and drive that Geraint brings I am sure we can now achieve that much quicker.”

Incoming chairman Mr Hopwood, who has a history of supporting charities and causes such as most recently providing disadvantaged people with free PC’s in the Wrexham community, said: “I am extremely happy to become the new chairman of FC United of Wrexham.

“I have been extremely impressed by the work that Andrew Ruscoe, Tom Winsper, Michael Hughes and Morgan Churchill have done to create a club from scratch during the 2020 Covid period which now see the club have youth, adult and female sides. It’s impressive. I feel I can help drive and support their vision and also bring my exciting plans too.

“My appointment is purely about giving back to the community, the very same value that Andrew and the other committee members share.

“I want to take FC United of Wrexham to the top of Welsh football and create that Welsh domestic league option that local fans can be proud of. One of my plans is to offer shares out to fans, so that we can build and create a fan ownership style club, so that we can create a lasting legacy within the community and give back to the Wrexham community.

“We want to become the club of the people. I just can’t wait to get this club going.”

He added: “I want to help them to further develop their club infrastructure, develop a sustainable club model and maintain and expand their excellent community programmes.

“I look forward to be working with Andrew Ruscoe, Tom Winsper, Morgan Churchill and the current management team on achieving success on and off the pitch.

“My first task will be to get some signs for the ground showing everyone that his is the home of FC United of Wrexham and getting our changing room containers painted in the club’s colours.”