More than £5.4m to fund new National Football Museum based in Wrexham

Funding worth £5.45m will be used to redevelop Wrexham Museum and create the Football Museum for Wales.

The move will be an opportunity to celebrate Wales’ football heritage and create a lasting legacy from the nation’s involvement in the men’s FIFA World Cup 2022.

The museum will help ensure that the history of Welsh football is valued, and the stories are recorded for future generations of players and supporters.

Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, announced the funding on a visit to Wrexham, where she highlighted the city’s significance as the birthplace of Welsh football.

The museum will cover many themes, including Welsh language communities, fan culture, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, and LGBTQ+ experiences.

Since 2020, the Welsh Government has funded over £800,000 for the appointment of a dedicated Football Curator and Engagement Officers, design progression, and public engagement and community consultation to develop the proposed plans and content.

The Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham will become a key venue in the city, as well as for North Wales’ tourist and visitor offer.

The funding is part of an agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

The co-operation supports the protection and promotion of Wales’ culture and heritage.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, expressed gratitude to the partners involved in the project, including Wrexham County Borough Council and the FAW.

She said: “Wrexham is the birthplace of Welsh football so it’s the ideal location to celebrate the sport’s heritage.”

“We have seen many successes, especially in recent years, in men’s and women’s football, and ensuring the dramatic and emotive events on the international stage, the history and development of club football in Wales and the spirit and diversity of the Welsh football community is told in one place will be vital for present and future generations.”

“The new museum will become a key venue in the city as well as for North Wales’ tourist and visitor offer. It also comes at an exciting time for Wrexham AFC as they aim to get back into the Football League.”

“Today’s announcement is a great example of the Welsh Government’s commitment to Wrexham and North Wales, especially following the recent disappointing news from the UK Government about the failed levelling-up fund bid.”

The funding announced today, subject to conditions and approval of a Full Business Case in due course, will see community and pan-Wales engagement on the project continue, including developing content, collections, and exhibitions through to construction and opening of the new Football Museum for Wales.

Councillor Paul Roberts, Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety at Wrexham County Borough Council, said that the Welsh Government’s continued support for Wrexham was appreciated.

The people of Wrexham and across Wales can now be assured that the Welsh Football Collection will be preserved for present and future generations in Wales, he said.

The Football Museum for Wales will be a significant addition to the Welsh cultural landscape, particularly as the nation’s footballing success grows.