A groundbreaking new chapter in Welsh Schools’ grassroots sport is set to begin this spring, as the NEWFA Primary Schools Regional Futsal League officially launches in Wrexham — a project being hailed as a historic milestone for school sport in the region.
The pilot league, which begins on Friday 17th April 2026 at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, has secured official backing from the North East Wales Football Association (NEWFA), thanks to the support of Chief Executive Dave Fawkes and Cefn West Councillor Stella Matthews.
The opening fixtures will see:
• Year 5/6 Boys League: Ysgol Rhosymedre vs Ysgol Dee Valley Federation
• Year 5/6 Girls Friendly: Ysgol Rhosymedre vs Ysgol Dee Valley Federation
A Historic Moment for Welsh School Sport
While futsal has continued to grow across Wales — including national leagues and youth development pathways — structured school-based Sports leagues at primary level have been notably absent for many years now.
This new initiative is believed to be:
The first official futsal league for primary school children (11 and under) in Wrexham,
Recent years have seen individual milestones — such as the first all-girls schools’ futsal tournament in Cefn in 2025 — but this league represents a long-term, structured competition, marking a major step forward.
Driven by Passion and Personal Experience
The project has been championed by Community Development Officer and former Great Britain Futsal & Football Manager Andrew Ruscoe, who has long advocated for the return of organised school sports leagues.
Ruscoe, who grew up playing in structured leagues himself, highlighted the gap facing today’s young people:
“This is something I’ve been passionate about for a long time. Growing up, we had regular school sports leagues — they were a huge part of our development, not just as players but as people. Over time, those opportunities have reduced, and I’ve always believed we needed to bring them back.”
“To now see this become a reality — with schools, partners and the wider community coming together — is incredibly special. This isn’t just about futsal, it’s about giving children opportunities, creating memories, and building something that can grow for years to come.”
“I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has believed in this vision and helped make it happen. This is for the children — and it’s only the beginning.”
A True Community Collaboration
The league has been developed through strong partnership working across the community, with key contributions from local leaders, schools, and organisations.
Cefn West Councillor Stella Matthews, who chaired the Leagues development meetings and has chaired the trust running Plas Madoc leisure centre for the last 10 years, said:
“Since representing Cefn West and becoming a governor at Ysgol Acrefair, I have seen how important the local sports events organised by Cefn Community Council are to the youngsters, events such as Councillor Derek Wrights Football Tournament and the Cefn Schools Olympics.
I am sure this pilot will be a great success and hopefully we can expand the scheme to include the wider area of Wrexham South and I congratulate everyone involved”
Chairman of Cefn Community Council, Mr Phil Vaughan, added:
“Cefn Community Council are incredibly proud to be part of this historic moment for our area. To see something like this come to life, which will benefit so many young people, is truly special and exactly what community partnership working is all about.
This project shows what can be achieved when schools, organisations, and local leaders come together with a shared vision. We are making history here in Wrexham, and that is something everyone involved should be extremely proud of.
On behalf of the Council, I would like to sincerely thank all of our collaborative partners who have worked so hard to make this happen. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing it grow and inspire future generations”
Further supporting partners include:
• Dave Fawkes, NEWFA Chief Executive Officer
• Tom Evison, Deputy Headteacher at Ysgol Min-Y-Ddol
• Denise Chadwick, Plas Madoc Leisure Centre
• Liam Jones, Active Wrexham
Quotes from partners:
• Dave Fawkes (NEWFA CEO):
“This is a landmark moment for school sport in North East Wales, and NEWFA is immensely proud to support the launch of the Primary Schools Regional Futsal League. What makes this initiative so special is that it is rooted in opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that every child should have the chance to experience the joy, discipline, and sense of belonging that sport can provide.
This is about much more than futsal. It is about investing in our young people, supporting schools, and creating a structure that can inspire participation and development for years to come. The commitment shown by all those involved has been outstanding, and it is a credit to the strength of partnership working within the community. We believe this can be the start of something truly important — not just for Wrexham, but potentially for the future of primary school sport across the North East Wales Region. NEWFA is honoured to play a part in that journey”
Denise Chadwick (Plas Madoc Leisure Centre):
• We are thrilled that Plas Madoc Leisure Centre is part of this Community Collaboration
Removing Barriers and Building for the Future
Thanks to NEWFA sponsorship, the pilot league will remove the £17.50 match fee, helping ensure accessibility for all schools.
However, organisers are encouraging schools to consider small voluntary contributions from parents to help build sustainability for future participation as the league expands.
The Start of Something Bigger
There is strong optimism that this pilot marks the beginning of a wider rollout across the borough — and potentially beyond.
With clear demand identified by schools themselves, the league demonstrates what can be achieved when communities work together with a shared purpose.
As Ruscoe added:
“We are proving that this can be done. The appetite is there, the need is there — and now we have the platform to grow something really special for young people across Wrexham and beyond.”
