Manchester is well-known for its footballing scene, of course, but neither Manchester United or Manchester City hold the title for the oldest international football stadium in the world still in continuous use – that trophy goes to a little place down the road, and over the border, called Wrexham.
Wrexham AFC
Wrexham AFC was founded in 1864, making it Wales’ oldest professional Football Club and the third oldest in the world. Founded by members of Wrexham Cricket Club at a meeting at the Turf Hotel, looking for a sport to fill the winter months, and also part-driven by a social group in the town looking to provide more enriching hobbies for Wrexham’s young men, the team played their first match on October 22, 1864, against the Prince of Wales Fire Brigade at the Racecourse.
The Football Association of Wales formed in the town in 1876, and Wrexham beat Druids to win the first ever Welsh Cup Final in 1878. The Club went on to win a record 23 Welsh Cups, and finished runners-up on 22 occasions, before competition changes in 1995 meant the Welsh clubs playing in the English football system were no longer allowed to enter.
With the exception of two seasons in the Welsh League between 1894 and 1896, both of which they won, Wrexham have otherwise played in English football competitions since first entering the Combination in 1890. They were elected to the Birmingham and District League in 1905 before becoming founder members of the new Third Division North in 1921.
The Racecourse Ground
The stadium, however, is much more sturdy. The Racecourse Ground (or Y Cae Ras in Welsh) is the oldest international football stadium to still be in continuous use, having been the venue for Wales’ first home international match in 1877.
However, due to an increase in rent from the then owners, Wrexham Cricket Club, Wrexham played their home games in the 1881–82 and 1882–83 seasons at the Recreation Ground in Rhosddu. Prior to World War I, The Racecourse saw frequent aviation use, and Wrexham Borough Council even weighed turning it into the town’s official airport, though they ultimately built one at Borras instead.
The ground has hosted more Wales international matches than any other, and has also been used by North Wales Crusaders rugby league club, Scarlets rugby union club and Liverpool Reserves.
Last year, Wrexham AFC unveiled the plans for the new 5,500-capacity Kop Stand at the ground, including the provision for safe standing, hospitality and accessible seating and is planned to be a prominent focal point of the area visible from the city centre.
Nowadays, Wrexham AFC sit in the Championship, and with owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bringing some Hollywood magic to North Wales, they have ambitions to go all the way. The duo have announced plans to open a new brewery, taproom and museum on the site, adding to the history and heritage of this era-spanning stadium.
How to get there
If you fancy a look for yourself, The Racecourse Ground is around an hour and 20 minute drive from Manchester via the M56 to Chester, then the A483. You can also travel by train from Manchester Victoria, changing at Chester and arriving in Wrexham in under two hours.
You can take in a game for yourself – tickets available here.
📍 The Racecourse Ground is located at The Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AH.
