Wrexham Soccer Stars Raise £10K for Miners Heritage Project

When Wrexham AFC players grabbed the wheel of farm trailers for a charity challenge, they had no idea they'd be helping preserve their city's mining heritage while creating homes for those who need them most.

The Red Dragons teamed up with longtime sponsor Ifor Williams Trailers for an 80-meter reversing trial and shooting contest using the company's Tow Max trailers. Defender Dan Scarr won the reversing challenge by navigating through a hay bale obstacle course faster than his teammates, while midfielder Harry Ashfield took home the shooting trophy.

The real winner was the Wrexham Miners Project, which received £10,000 to renovate the former Superintendent's House into supported living accommodation. The historic site, located next to a former rescue station, will become a heritage and community destination featuring restored Grade II-listed buildings.

Ifor Williams Trailers chose to double their community impact by donating another £10,000 to Nightingale House Hospice. Alex Lenden, show manager at the company, explained that the players picked their own charities to support. "The £10,000 will go towards the cost of creating one of the bedrooms," Lenden said.

The donation reflects something bigger happening in Wrexham since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the struggling football club. Community director Humphrey Ker shared that the Hollywood owners weren't just interested in winning matches.

"When I first talked to Rob in March 2020, what they were really passionate about was what boosting a football club could do for the community," Ker told attendees at the Miners Project's annual meeting. The transformation has been documented in Disney's "Welcome to Wrexham" series, showing how sports can revitalize entire towns.

The Ripple Effect

Ifor Williams Trailers has supported Wrexham AFC for a decade, serving as front shirt sponsor when Reynolds and McElhenney took over. The family-run business, fully based in North Wales, demonstrates how local companies can strengthen their communities through strategic partnerships.

John Gallanders, chair of the Wrexham Miners Project, emphasized the donation's importance for keeping their doors open. The project preserves the region's mining heritage while addressing current housing needs, connecting past and future in one meaningful effort.

Ker captured the spirit perfectly: "The Wrexham Miners Project is the most perfect example of everything that existed before we came along, and what will exist long after we've gone, because it is driven by the people of the community."

The trailer challenge proves that preserving history and building community doesn't require Hollywood magic, just neighbors willing to show up for each other.