Wrexham AFC Kick On With New Shirt Deal

Wrexham AFC will kick-off the season tomorrow in style thanks to a new sponsorship deal and major improvements to the world-famous football stadium.

Glyndŵr University and Wrexham AFC have tied-up a shirt deal that will see the Wrexham institution’s name feature on the front of the club shirt for the next three years.

Further to this, work throughout the summer to significantly improve the Racecourse playing surface has paid dividends, with groundsman Paul Chaloner transforming the pitch thanks to £30,000 worth of new equipment.

He has been busy over-seeding, top-dressing – more than 90 tonnes of sand and soil was used to level the surface – and verti-draining the field in time for the side’s opening Skrill Premier League match against Welling United.

The Glyndŵr University owned ground has enjoyed an overhaul in past months and bosses at the institution are exploring revenue streams in a bid to give the pitch a £150,000 makeover.

Work would include new and improved drainage and irrigation facilities following a report from the Institute of Groundsmanship which revealed the surface is ‘well maintained’ given the ‘volume of play’ – more than 80 games a year excluding training, as it is also home to the Crusaders Rugby League team.

Lynda Powell, Director of Campus Management and Commercial Services at Glyndŵr University says she is delighted with progress and pleased the club and the University have extended their commercial partnership until 2015.

“As well as a sponsorship package which will see Glyndŵr’s name on the front of Wrexham AFC’s shirts for the coming three seasons, the deal will also include programme and scoreboard adverts and web links that will build our name in the community”

“The club and the University work closely together and we want that to continue for many years to come. Both play a huge role in Wrexham and across north east Wales to provide excellent facilities for the supporters and students. We’re thrilled to continue that relationship.”

Lynda added: “With regards the pitch, we listened to the fans and have worked very hard to get it ready for Saturday. The extra maintenance work has had a positive impact but we’re still trying to get funding so a new pitch can be in place for next season.

“Paul Chaloner has done a great job and I’m confident the team will go on to have another successful season, which will hopefully end in promotion having come so close last time.”

Wrexham AFC’s Chief Executive Officer Don Bircham says he is delighted two of the town’s biggest names have reinforced their burgeoning relationship.

He said: “I am delighted that we have concluded negotiations with Glyndŵr University on a three year shirt sponsorship deal and on behalf of everyone involved at the club would like to thank them for their continued support.”

“I am also delighted with the investment on the pitch this close season and the plans in the pipeline for next year. Our team tries to play attractive, passing football and the planned improvements will provide as with a distinct advantage at home and support us in our continued quest for a return to the Football League.”