Wrexham University and Wrexham AFC Foundation join forces to boost community impact through SMART Partnership
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Wrexham University and Wrexham AFC Foundation have been awarded a Welsh Government-funded SMART Partnership to develop an innovative approach to community outreach across North Wales.
The collaboration will see the two neighbours working together to create a platform to expand football-based outreach across North Wales. It will focus on improving health, education, equal opportunities and stronger communities by developing a cutting-edge AI Value Matrix to measure the success of the Foundation’s targeted community programme.
By combining advanced analytics with local community insights, the Matrix will identify where each project delivers the greatest benefits, from improved education results to healthier lifestyles. It will help ensure limited resources are allocated to the most effective initiatives. The Foundation’s vision also includes supporting Welsh language and culture, so every step of the process respects local heritage and priorities.
Laura Gough, Head of Enterprise in Wrexham University, said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding which will assist the Foundation in its decision-making processes and which will also feed into our curriculum in areas such as Computing, Sport Science and Business.
“We will be looking to recruit a graduate with computing expertise to work directly on the project, likely to start in September for 12 months.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Community at Wrexham AFC Foundation, added: “It is great to be working with our neighbours on such a transformational project. The platform will be game changing for both the Foundation and other community organisations across the country.
“Our ambition is always to have a bigger impact on our community and this platform will help us achieve that goal.”
SMART Partnerships provide financial support to collaborative and innovative projects that are in need of a range of expertise to support business growth, improve productivity and increase competitiveness.
- For more information about the role, visit: https://jobs.wrexham.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=2425848
Photo caption: From left: Craig Williams, Knowledge Transfer Officer; Jane Edwards, Knowledge Transfer and innovation Partner; Dr Leigh Griffin, Chair of Board of Governors at Wrexham University; Laura Gough, Head of Enterprise; Dr Chelsea Batty, Principal Lecturer Sport and Exercise Science; Sara Hilton, Senior Lecturer in Football and Coaching Science; and Jamie Edwards, Head of Community Wrexham AFC Foundation
