Wrexham University announced as exclusive research partner of Wrexham AFC Foundation
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Academics at Wrexham University are going to be carrying out research into how football positively contributes to the health and wellbeing of children and young people, as well as how it can be used as a driver for social change within communities.
The University is pleased to announce it has been confirmed as the exclusive research partner of Wrexham AFC Foundation – the Club’s official charity, who use the power of football and the Club to positively change the lives of children and young people.
The partnership will see the development of Wrexham University’s Football and Community Research Hub.
News of the partnership comes just weeks after the University announced that it was working with Wrexham AFC Foundation to deliver a brand-new Football and Community Development foundation degree, focussing on the transformative power of football and its positive impact on communities.
Other research being conducted as part of the new hub includes determining the cultural impact of Wrexham AFC’s community endeavours, the influence that football has on business, as well as looking into how football can be used as a vehicle for social change within communities.
Frances Thomason, Head of Research Services at Wrexham University, said: “We’re delighted to announce our research partnership with Wrexham AFC Foundation, reinforcing the University’s commitment to transformative, community-driven research.
“This partnership illustrates our dedication to conducting impactful research and building strong collaborations between academia, industry and our community to create lasting change for our current and future generations, while advancing the university’s mission as a civic university.”
Sara Hilton, Senior Lecturer in Football and Coaching Science at the University, said: “At the heart of this collaboration is the establishment of the Football and Community Research Hub, a dedicated space for conducting rigorous research into the intersection of football, youth development, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion and acting as a catalyst for producing world-leading research.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Foundation & Community at Wrexham AFC, added: “The launch of the Football and Community Research Hub with Wrexham University is a powerful step forward in how we understand the impact of football beyond the pitch. It reflects our commitment to being data-led in everything we do, using evidence and insight to shape meaningful community impact.
“By combining academic expertise with lived experience, we’re building a foundation that ensures football continues to be a powerful force for social change.”
Photo caption: From left, Emma Taylor, Bid Development Manager at Wrexham University; Jamie Edwards, Head of Foundation and Community at Wrexham AFC; Sara Hilton, Senior Lecturer in Football and Coaching Science at Wrexham University; and Jayne Rowe, Research Impact Manager at Wrexham University.
