Wikipedia

Draft:Andrew Ruscoe

Andrew Lee Ruscoe (born 11 December 1986) is a Welsh football and futsal coach known for his contributions to grassroots and Semi Professional football in Wales. Ruscoe is the chairman, co-founder, and manager of FC United of Wrexham, a non-profit football and futsal club established in 2020. The club competes in both football and futsal leagues and has expressed long-term goals of advancing to higher levels in both sports.[1]

Early Life and Background

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Andrew Ruscoe was born on 11 December 1986 in Wrexham, Wales. He developed an early interest in football and futsal, pursuing both sports at semi-professional levels. Ruscoe attended university, earning a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community in 2016, followed by a PGCE in 2018 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development in 2019. He has been recognized for his commitment to community involvement through sport, particularly in his role with FC United of Wrexham.[2]

Personal Life

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Ruscoe has been open about the personal challenges he has faced, including health concerns within his family. These experiences have significantly shaped his approach to charity work, particularly in supporting children’s hospitals.[3] Known by the nickname "Chopper," Ruscoe is a passionate advocate for the positive impact of sport on mental health and community cohesion, continuing to promote these values through his work with local communities.[4]

Community Involvement

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Andrew Ruscoe has been recognized for his efforts in promoting community engagement through sport. As the chairman and co-founder of FC United of Wrexham, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at increasing participation in both football and futsal. The club focuses on providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage in physical activity, particularly in underserved communities.[5]

Youth Career

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Ruscoe began his youth football career at Brickfield Rangers, where he played from 1994 to 2002. He then moved to Chester City FC's youth setup, playing from 2000 to 2002. Afterward, he joined Hightown FC for the 2002–2003 season, further developing his skills before transitioning into senior football. In 2015, Brickfield Rangers launched a new community club initiative, which Ruscoe has supported through his continued involvement in grassroots football.[6]

Football Career

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Ruscoe’s playing career spanned several semi-professional football clubs in Wales. He played for the following teams: - Gap Queens Park - Brickfield Rangers[7] - Cefn Druids AFC[8] - Rhydymwyn FC - Lex XI - Prestatyn Town[9] - FC United of Wrexham[10]

In addition to his football career, Ruscoe earned one cap for the Great Britain Futsal team in 2018 during a match against Italy. His selection as one of four North Walians called up to represent Great Britain highlighted his skills and dedication to futsal at an elite level.[11]

Ruscoe later served as manager at Prestatyn Town[12], where his strategic decisions contributed to the team's growth and success. His role at Prestatyn was widely praised in local and national media for its impact on Welsh football development.[13]

Coaching Career

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Ruscoe has been a prominent coach at several clubs, with a focus on developing youth players and fostering community engagement. He has managed and coached various teams in Wales, including: - Prestatyn Town FC (Manager)[14] - Goalkeeper Academy Head Coach at Bala Town - Brickfield Rangers (Welsh football’s youngest manager at age 19) - Wrexham AFC Racecourse Foundation - Chester FC Community Trust[15] - Flint Town United Academy - Prestatyn Town Academy - Great Britain Futsal (Coaching role)[16]

Ruscoe’s work in coaching has been celebrated across the UK, including recognition for his efforts in tackling antisocial behavior through football in Wrexham.[17]

Community and Charity Work

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Outside of football, Ruscoe is known for his significant contributions to the Wrexham community. He has actively engaged in charity work, including fundraising initiatives for FC United of Wrexham. Ruscoe has worked to tackle antisocial behaviour through sport, particularly football, and has been involved in community outreach activities such as donating Easter eggs to children in hospitals and care homes. His commitment to local charity and community service has garnered recognition over the years.[18]

In 2023, Ruscoe was awarded The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the community.[19]

Public Recognition

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Ruscoe’s efforts in coaching, community work, and now his contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Wrexham Sports Awards Coach of the Year in 2016 for his work with Brickfield Rangers, and he also received the NEWFA Community Coach of the Year and the NEWFA Bob Williams Service to Football Award in 2017.[20]

Other notable awards include: - 2021 The Wrexham Leader Courage of the Year Award - 2022 The AVOW Volunteer of the Year Award - 2023 The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award

Ruscoe's coaching impact was further celebrated in a *Daily Post* article highlighting his contributions to youth football and his recognition as a Wrexham-based football coach winning prestigious awards.[21]

In 2024, Ruscoe was also credited as an author for *The By Lines Cymru* for the article **“Family-friendly creative workshop at Cefn Mawr Museum this weekend”**, co-written with Claire Farrell. The article highlighted a creative workshop at the Cefn Mawr Museum that fostered community engagement through a collaborative zine-making project.[22]

Controversy

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In 2024, Ruscoe and FC United of Wrexham received a £5,000 donation from Tristan Tate,[23] which was refunded the same day following public backlash due to Tate’s controversial personality. This incident sparked public discourse, but Ruscoe’s decision to return the funds was seen as an effort to uphold the club’s values and maintain its community integrity.[24]

References

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  1. ^ "Dedicated football coach latest to receive F Jones Initiative award". Leader Live. Newsquest. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  2. ^ "Wrexham man helps community through sport". LeaderLive. 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  3. ^ "Football team gives back to community through coaching initiative". BBC News. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  4. ^ "Wales football coach inspires next generation through inclusive training". BBC News. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
  5. ^ "Wrexham man helps community through sport". LeaderLive. 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  6. ^ "Brickfield Rangers community club launched". Daily Post. 2015-03-13. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  7. ^ "Football hero Andrew Ruscoe lands another top award". Daily Post. 2016-11-10. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  8. ^ "North Wales man Andrew Ruscoe lands key role at Chester FC". Daily Post. 2016-10-04. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  9. ^ "Andrew Ruscoe is Prestatyn Town's new General Manager and community relations officer". Rhyl Journal. 2021-02-03. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  10. ^ "Player Profile #54 – Andrew Ruscoe". Gareth's Football Travels. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  11. ^ "Four North Walians called up for Great Britain AMF Futsal squad". Daily Post. 2018-11-30. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  12. ^ "Andrew Ruscoe - Manager profile". Transfermarkt. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  13. ^ Jones, Dave (2022-01-27). "Prestatyn Town interim-manager Andrew Ruscoe faces big decision this weekend". Grassroots North Wales. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  14. ^ "Ruscoe 'honoured' with Prestatyn managerial opportunity". Rhyl Journal. 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  15. ^ "Andrew Ruscoe to leave Trust post". Chester FC Community Trust. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  16. ^ "Wrexham Futsal players to represent GB team at Milan international tournament". LeaderLive. 2019-02-27. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  17. ^ "Dedicated football coach latest to receive F. Jones Initiative Award". LeaderLive. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  18. ^ "WREXHAM: Charity match officers visit Maelor Children's Ward". LeaderLive. 2023-06-30. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  19. ^ "Andrew Ruscoe". F Jones Initiative. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  20. ^ Cain, Nick (2017-07-17). "Wrexham-based football coach up for award after helping disabled youngsters enjoy the game". Daily Post. Reach plc. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  21. ^ Williams, Dave (2016-11-10). "Football hero Andrew Ruscoe lands Welsh coaching role". Daily Post. Reach plc. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  22. ^ Ruscoe, Andrew (2024-11-22). "Family-friendly creative workshop at Cefn Mawr Museum this weekend". By Lines Cymru. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  23. ^ ""Total loser" - Tristan Tate reacts to £5000 refund for his donation to FC United of Wrexham". Sportskeeda. 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
  24. ^ "Andrew Tate: FC United of Wrexham return donation from brother Tristan". Yahoo News UK. 2024-01-20. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
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