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Draft:Andrew Lee Ruscoe

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Andrew Lee Ruscoe

Andrew Lee Ruscoe (born 11 December 1986) is a Welsh football and futsal figure, widely known for his community work and involvement in grassroots football. Ruscoe is the chairman, co-founder, and manager of FC United of Wrexham, a non-profit football and futsal club established in 2020. The club aims to compete at the highest levels of both futsal and football, with aspirations to reach the UEFA Futsal Champions League and the second tier of Welsh football.

Early Life and Background

Andrew Ruscoe was born on 11 December 1986. He grew up in Wrexham, Wales, and developed an early passion for football. His interest in futsal also began at a young age, eventually leading him to pursue both sports at semi-professional levels. Ruscoe attended university and earned a BA Hons in Youth and Community in 2016, followed by a PGCE in 2018 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development in 2019.

Youth Career

Ruscoe began his youth football career at Brickfield Rangers, where he played from 1994 to 2002. He then moved to Chester City FC's youth setup from 2000 to 2002. Afterward, he joined Hightown FC for the 2002-2003 season, further developing his skills before moving into senior football.

Football Career

Ruscoe’s playing career spanned several semi-professional football clubs in Wales. He played for the following teams: - Gap Queens Park - Brickfield Rangers - Cefn Druids AFC - Rhydymwyn FC - Lex XI - Prestatyn Town - FC United of Wrexham

In addition to his football career, Ruscoe earned one cap for the Great Britain Futsal team in 2018 during a match against Italy. His selection as one of four North Walians called up to represent Great Britain highlighted his skills and dedication to futsal at an elite level.

Ruscoe later served as interim manager at Prestatyn Town, where his strategic decisions contributed to the team's growth and success. His role at Prestatyn was widely praised in local and national media for its impact on Welsh football development .

Coaching Career

Ruscoe has been a prominent coach at several clubs, with a focus on developing youth players and fostering community engagement. He has managed and coached various teams in Wales, including: - Prestatyn Town FC (Caretaker Manager) - Goalkeeper Academy Head Coach at Bala Town - **Brickfield Rangers** (Welsh football’s youngest manager at age 19) - Wrexham AFC Racecourse Foundation - Chester FC Community Trust - Flint Town United Academy - Prestatyn Town Academy - Great Britain Futsal (Coaching role)

Ruscoe’s work in coaching has been celebrated across the UK, including recognition for his efforts in tackling antisocial behavior through football in Wrexham.

Community and Charity Work

Outside of football, Ruscoe is known for his significant contributions to the Wrexham community. He has actively engaged in charity work, including fundraising initiatives for FC United of Wrexham. Ruscoe has worked to tackle antisocial behavior through sport, particularly football, and has been involved in community outreach activities such as donating Easter eggs to children in hospitals and care homes. His commitment to local charity and community service has garnered recognition over the years.

In 2023, Ruscoe was awarded **The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award** in recognition of his contributions to the community.

Public Recognition

Ruscoe’s efforts in coaching and community work have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Wrexham Sports Awards Coach of the Year in 2016 for his work with Brickfield Rangers, and he also received the NEWFA Community Coach of the Year and NEWFA Bob Williams Service to Football Award in 2017. Other notable awards include: - 2021 The Wrexham Leader Courage of the Year Award - 2022 The AVOW Volunteer of the Year Award - 2023 The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award

His coaching impact was further celebrated in a Daily Post article highlighting his contributions to youth football and his recognition as a Wrexham-based football coach winning prestigious awards .

Controversy

In 2023, Ruscoe and FC United of Wrexham received a donation from Tristan Tate, which was later refunded following public backlash due to Tate’s controversial personality. This incident sparked public discourse, but Ruscoe’s decision to return the funds was seen as an effort to maintain the club’s values and community integrity.

Personal Life

Ruscoe has been open about the personal challenges he has faced, including health concerns within his family. These experiences have influenced his charity work, particularly in relation to children’s hospitals. Known by the nickname "Chopper," Ruscoe continues to advocate for the positive impact of sport on mental health and community cohesion.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Ruscoe has received several awards in recognition of his contributions to sport and community: - 2016 Wrexham Sports Awards Coach of the Year - 2017 NEWFA Community Coach of the Year - 2017 NEWFA Bob Williams Service to Football Award - 2021 The Wrexham Leader Courage of the Year Award - 2022 The AVOW Volunteer of the Year Award - 2023 The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award

Education

- BA Hons Youth and Community (2016) - PGCE (2018) - Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development (2019)

References