Promotion dream could be denied FC Queens Park unless an unusual problem is solved

Treble kings FC Queens Park’s dream of competing in Tier 3 of the Welsh pyramid next season are under serious threat – because of a dispute over kick-off times.

The Wrexham club has just celebrated an amazing 2025-26 campaign which involved winning SEVEN trophies, three of them for the first team who were crowned Tier 4 North East Wales League Division 1 champions as well as lifting the Premier Cup and Horace Wynne Cup.

Promotion to the Ardal North East or West beckons for the Park, but there is a major hurdle to overcome.

Often, a club is blocked from going up a level if their ground facilities are not up to the standard required.

But this is not the case with FC Queens Park, whose Queensway Stadium facilities are top drawer.

The club takes up the story……

“FC Queens Park are devastated to find themselves in a position where the club’s future at Tier 3 of Welsh football hangs by a thread, despite achieving everything asked of them on the pitch.

“After a remarkable season which saw the club crowned league champions, the reward should have been a historic promotion into the Ardal League — a milestone that would have represented years of hard work, dedication, and ambition from everyone connected with the club.

“Instead, the dreams of an entire community are now under serious threat.

“The club has failed the ground inspection process, not because of poor facilities, poor standards, or a lack of ambition, but because of one issue alone — kick-off times. “

FC Queens Park currently play their home fixtures at The Queensway, a facility widely regarded by many as one of the finest community football venues in Welsh football.

The standard of the pitch, changing rooms, spectator areas, and overall environment are exceptional and provide a platform that many clubs at Tier 3 level could only dream of.

The club added: “However, the league require a standard kick-off time of 1430hrs, while the current operating arrangements at The Queensway only allow for a 1330 hrs kick-off. Despite ongoing discussions, no agreement has yet been reached between the relevant parties, leaving the club facing the very real possibility of being denied promotion.

“This situation is incredibly difficult for everyone associated with FC Queens Park to accept. Football should ultimately be decided by what happens on the pitch, and the players, staff, volunteers, and supporters have done everything within their power to earn this opportunity fairly and deservedly.

“What makes this even more heartbreaking is the wider impact it will have on the local community. FC Queens Park is more than just a football club. It is a pathway, an inspiration, and a source of pride for countless young players across the area. The club’s successful first team gives every child wearing the badge in the junior and youth sections something to aspire to. It proves that with hard work and commitment, there is a route into senior football within their own community.

“Without a team competing at this level, many of those hopes and dreams risk fading away.

“The irony is that FC Queens Park would also bring significant benefits to The Queensway itself. Increased attendances, greater exposure, and regular high-level fixtures would generate valuable revenue for the facility and help maximise the use of a community venue that has often been underused.

“Freedom Leisure, the not-for-profit charitable leisure trust that operates the majority of public sports and leisure facilities in Wrexham alongside Wrexham County Borough Council, has an opportunity to play a huge part in supporting the growth of grassroots and community football in the area.

“Time, however, is running out.

“FC Queens Park now have just one week to find common ground with all parties involved and secure a solution that keeps this dream alive. The club remains hopeful that compromise, understanding, and a shared commitment to the local community can prevail before it is too late.

“Because this is about far more than just a kick-off time. It is about protecting the future of a football club, a community, and the generations of young players who dream of one day following in the footsteps of their first team heroes.”