Seven students from Derwen College, near Oswestry, will travel to the United States later this month to join a 12-strong Wrexham AFC contingent competing in the international Genuine Cup in Houston, Texas.
Inclusive football on a global stage
The Derwen group, whose ages range between 17 and 24, form part of a side representing Wales at the week-long event to be staged at Rice University. The tournament will bring together academy and community teams from clubs including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Ajax, Rangers, Inter Miami and others, with points awarded for sporting behaviour and fair play as well as results.
The students set to travel are named as Jonathan, Lydia, Ollie, Kyle, George, Cai and Toby. They will be supported in Houston by Derwen College staff volunteers and members of the Wrexham Foundation coaching team.
"I feel very proud to wear the Wrexham AFC badge. It's a real honour," said student Jonathan during a pre-departure training day.
Logistics and kit
The squad are due to depart for Houston on Saturday 25 July and will return on Monday 3 August. Prior to departure the players received red training kits, bags and other merchandise; their official match kit will be revealed on arrival in the United States.
- Departure: 25 July
- Return: 3 August
- Venue: Rice University, Houston
- Derwen students travelling: 7
- Total Wrexham squad: 12
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host city | Houston, Texas |
| Event | Genuine Cup (week-long youth/community tournament) |
| Venue | Rice University |
Local impact and significance
The involvement of Derwen College students underscores the growing profile of inclusive football initiatives in this region. The college provides specialist further education for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, and its partnership with Wrexham AFC and the Wrexham Foundation provides sporting opportunities beyond the local pitch.
For the players themselves, competing alongside teams connected to elite clubs offers both a competitive challenge and wider exposure to different coaching and cultural experiences. For families and the local community, the trip is a source of pride and a practical demonstration of the benefits of community sporting programmes.
Preparation and support
Derwen College staff will travel as volunteers and will be part of the support network on the ground. The presence of Wrexham Foundation staff aims to ensure the group can access appropriate training, medical cover and safeguarding while overseas.
Coverage of the competition is expected to highlight not just match results but also themes of inclusion and sportsmanship, with tournament rules recognising fair play alongside competitive success.
Wrexham residents wishing to follow the team's progress should monitor official Wrexham AFC and Derwen College channels for updates during the trip.
By sending these students to Houston, local education and sporting bodies are providing a tangible pathway for young people with disabilities to participate in international sport, while also representing Wrexham on a global stage.
