Club History
The Foresters name has been part of Wrexham’s football story since the 1870s. From the grassroots fields of Gwersyllt to the modern rebirth of Wrexham Foresters FC, this is a story of community, identity, and footballing passion passed from one generation to the next.
Early Days (1877-1881)
The original Gwersyllt Foresters Football Club was formed in 1877, playing their first matches at Gwersyllt Park. Their founding captain, Thomas Henry Clayton, would later become President of the Football Association of Wales. The team played in red-and-blue hooped kits and quickly gained local support, including early Welsh Cup success and fixtures against clubs like Wrexham and Northwich Victoria. These were the true grassroots beginnings of a proud local identity.
Our First Wins
Foresters made history by entering the very first Welsh Cup in 1877, drawing 0–0 against Northwich Victoria before winning the replay 4–1. They advanced to the third round that year and earned a reputation as a tough, competitive side. Matches at Gwersyllt Park drew crowds of 500, and the pitch became one of the region’s earliest football hubs.
Growth & Development (1882-1884)
As the club developed, Foresters players like T. Ellis represented North Wales at a national level. The team progressed through multiple cup rounds and continued to face off against top clubs like Druids and Wrexham. Their strong connection to the Ancient Order of Foresters rooted them deeply in local community life—blending football with shared values of inclusion, unity, and working-class pride.
Legacy & Revival
Though the original club dissolved around 1885, the Foresters spirit never disappeared. Today, over a century later, Wrexham Foresters FC proudly revives the name and its meaning. We honour the legacy of the original players and bring that same heart to a new generation focusing on development, opportunity, and building something truly local and lasting.