The team from the highly anticipated, football museum for Wales, held special workshops today at the Wynnstay Arms in Wrexham, to mark the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the FAW’s formation.
“Pupils from Wrexham primary schools were invited to the Wynnstay Arms to discover the origins of Welsh football on its 150th anniversary. This event is helping to inform the learning programme for the museum as we prepare for reopening.”
Eleri Farley – Learning Officer, Wrexham Museum of Two Halves
Each school session focussed on how and why the FAW was formed and was set within the room used for that first meeting, 150 years ago.
Tables were arranged in a boardroom style with name holders of the attendees placed at each setting.
Pupils took part in an engaging workshop where they handled real objects, tried on replica costumes, and used football socks to explore how players used to be identified on the field.
They also learned who attended the first FAW meeting and were encouraged to explore who was missing and why, which lead to discussions around the women’s game and global majority histories.
The sessions followed a similar style to a successful pilot project undertaken with Carmarthenshire Libraries at the end of 2025, where pupils explored various stories around Welsh football including the women’s game.
Today’s event commemorated an important, anniversary in Welsh football’s story, engaging schools with local and national history supporting the curriculum for Wales.
Paul Roberts, Wrexham County Borough Council’s lead member for partnerships and community safety, said: “The school groups at The Wynnstay have enjoyed a taste of the engaging, innovative new ways they will explore and learn about our diverse local and football history. This experience offers an exciting glimpse into how future visits will bring the past to life through interactive storytelling and hands-on discovery, at Wrexham’s new museum.”
The pupils were excited to meet Craig Bellamy and Chris Gunter at the end of their session, as members of the FAW, arrived for their commemorative Council meeting at the Wynnstay.
“What a fantastic photo opportunity and a special chance for children to meet their football heroes on such a momentous day in Wales’ football history. We’ve enjoyed a full and inspiring schedule in Wrexham, beginning with the museum team, who showcased remarkable objects from the collection to our council members at this historic venue—an integral part of the Welsh football story.”
Ian Gwyn Hughes, Head of Public Relations & Culture, Football Association of Wales
Redevelopment works at Wrexham’s ‘Museum of Two Halves’ are progressing at pace, with galleries taking shape revealing the extensive new layout. The historic building is emerging from refurbishment and the brand new, world-class, national attraction is set to open later this year.
Main Photo:
St Marys RC School – Wrexham
Wrexham Museum: Eleri Farley – Learning Officer; Shon Lewis – Football Engagement Officer
FAW: Mike Jones – FAW President; Nia Davies – Head Coach Wales Women’s U-19; Chris Gunter- Cymry U-19 Head Coach; Craig Bellamy – Head Coach Wales Men’s Team; Dave Adams – FAW Technical Director, Delwyn Derrick – Football Engagement Officer, Wrexham Museum.
Noel Mooney – FAW CEO talking to Ian Gwyn Hughes