Andrew Ruscoe
{{Article for deletion/dated|page=Andrew Ruscoe|timestamp=20250626090556|year=2025|month=June|day=26|substed=yes}}
{{notability|date=May 2025}}
{{short description|Welsh football and futsal coach (born 1986)}}{{BLP sources|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Andrew Ruscoe
| image = Andrew Ruscoe.jpg
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_date =
| birth_place = Wrexham, Wales
| education = BA (Hons) Youth and Community
| occupation = Community Development Officer, Director of Futsal, Goalkeeping Coach, Volunteer Coordinator
| organization = FC United of Wrexham
| known_for = Community projects, Futsal development, Charity work
| height = 6ft
| children =
| awards =
}}
Andrew Lee Ruscoe (born 11 December 1986) is a Welsh football and futsal coach known for his contributions to semi-professional football in Wales.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} Ruscoe is the Director of Futsal, co-founder, and manager of FC United of Wrexham, a non-profit football and futsal club established in 2020.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}
Early life and education
Ruscoe was born on 11 December, 1986 in Wrexham, Wales. He developed an early interest in football and futsal.
Ruscoe attended university, earning 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.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}
Football career
= As player =
Ruscoe began his youth football career at Brickfield Rangers, where he played from 1994 to 2002.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} He then moved to Chester City FC's youth setup, playing from 2000 to 2002.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} Afterward, he joined Hightown FC for the 2002–2003 season.{{cite web |title=Brickfield Rangers community club launched |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/brickfield-rangers-community-club-launched-12345 |accessdate=2024-11-26}}
Ruscoe's playing career spanned several semi-professional football clubs in Wales. He has played for the following teams: Gap Queens Park, Brickfield Rangers,{{cite news |date=2016-11-10 |title=Football hero Andrew Ruscoe lands another top award |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/football-hero-andrew-ruscoe-lands-12159813 |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Daily Post}} Cefn Druids AFC,{{cite news |date=2016-10-04 |title=North Wales man Andrew Ruscoe lands key role at Chester FC |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/north-wales-man-andrew-ruscoe-11980049 |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Daily Post}} Rhydymwyn FC, Lex XI, Prestatyn Town,{{cite news |date=2021-02-03 |title=Andrew Ruscoe is Prestatyn Town's new General Manager and community relations officer |url=https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/19060669.andrew-ruscoe-prestatyn-towns-new-general-manager-community-relations-officer/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Rhyl Journal}} FC United of Wrexham{{cite web |date=2021-10-11 |title=Player Profile #54 – Andrew Ruscoe |url=https://garethsfootballtravels.wordpress.com/2021/10/11/player-profile-54-andrew-ruscoe/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Gareth's Football Travels}}
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.{{cite news |date=2018-11-30 |title=Four North Walians called up for Great Britain AMF Futsal squad |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/four-north-walians-called-up-15488592 |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Daily Post}}
Ruscoe later served as manager at Prestatyn Town.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Dave |date=2022-01-27 |title=Prestatyn Town interim-manager Andrew Ruscoe faces big decision this weekend |url=https://nwsport.co.uk/2022/01/27/prestatyn-town-interim-manager-andrew-ruscoe-faces-big-decision-this-weekend/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Grassroots North Wales}}
= As coach =
Ruscoe has managed and coached various teams in Wales, including: - Prestatyn Town FC (Manager){{cite news |date=2021-12-21 |title=Ruscoe 'honoured' with Prestatyn managerial opportunity |url=https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/sport/19796812.ruscoe-honoured-prestatyn-managerial-opportunity/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Rhyl Journal}} - 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{{cite web |date=21 July 2017 |title=Andrew Ruscoe to leave Trust post |url=https://community.chesterfc.com/andrew-ruscoe-to-leave-trust-post/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Chester FC Community Trust}} - Flint Town United Academy - Prestatyn Town Academy - Great Britain Futsal (Coaching role){{cite news |date=2019-02-27 |title=Wrexham Futsal players to represent GB team at Milan international tournament |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17292770.wrexham-futsal-players-represent-gb-team-milan-international-tournament/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=LeaderLive}}
In 2016, Ruscoe helped forge a partnership between the Brickfield Rangers and GAP Personne as part of the club's broader strategy to establish itself as a semi-professional outfit and strengthen its impact within the local community.{{cite news |last=Cain |first=Nick |date=2016-01-19 |title=Ambitious Brickfield Rangers land major sponsorship deal with GAP Personnel |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ambitious-brickfield-rangers-land-major-10758628 |access-date=2024-12-05 |work=Daily Post}}
During his tenure at Chester FC, Ruscoe collaborated with Jim Green and others to establish and expand the Chester FC Player Development Centre.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} He also spearheaded initiatives to engage schools through an anti-social behaviour project and worked alongside former Gap Queens Park manager Levi Lloyd to develop the club's award-winning mental health program. The mental health initiative received significant acclaim and was highlighted in the press for its innovative approach to community support.{{cite news |last=Cain |first=Nick |date=2017-12-12 |title=New community project by award-winning Chester FC trust aims to tackle mental health stigma |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-community-project-award-winning-14030528 |access-date=2024-12-05 |work=Daily Post}}
In 2021, Ruscoe became manager of Prestatyn Town Football Club in Tier 2 of Welsh football, the JD Cymru North.[https://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/sport/19796788.caretaker-boss-ruscoe-proud-town-efforts/ "Caretaker boss Ruscoe proud of Town efforts"] Rhyl Journal. Retrieved 4 December 2024. Facing significant challenges early on, Ruscoe inherited a depleted squad after several players departed with the previous manager.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} This left Ruscoe with just 3 players heading into the Christmas COVID-19 period; the team fielded a starting line up featuring six players aged 16 to 18 in his first game.[https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/prestatyn-town-manager-reacts-online-22949790 "Prestatyn Town manager reacts to online criticism"] Daily Post. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
Ruscoe helped secure the FAW Tier 2 licensing for Prestatyn Town for the second time.[https://nwsport.co.uk/2022/01/27/prestatyn-town-interim-manager-andrew-ruscoe-faces-big-decision-this-weekend/ "Prestatyn Town interim manager Andrew Ruscoe faces big decision this weekend"] North Wales Sport. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
Ruscoe was recognized for his efforts in tackling antisocial behaviour through football in Wrexham.{{cite news |date=2023-06-12 |title=Dedicated football coach latest to receive F. Jones Initiative Award |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23583586.dedicated-football-coach-latest-receive-f-jones-initiative-award/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=LeaderLive}}
In 2024, Ruscoe and FC United of Wrexham received a £5,000 donation from Tristan Tate, but later returned it after criticism from club sponsors and local organisations.{{cite web |last1=Wells |first1=Andy |title=Football club apologises after receiving £5,000 donation from Andrew Tate |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/andrew-tate-fc-united-wrexham-donation-135730203.html?guccounter=1 |website=Yahoo News UK |access-date=5 January 2025}}
= Community and charity work =
Ruscoe has engaged in various charity work, including fundraising initiatives for FC United of Wrexham and other community outreach activities.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-11-29 |title=FC United of Wrexham spread Christmas cheer with visits |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24762603.fc-united-wrexham-spread-christmas-cheer-visits/ |accessdate=2024-11-29 |work=Leader Live}} His commitment to local charity and community service has garnered recognition over the years.{{cite news |date=2023-06-30 |title=WREXHAM: Charity match officers visit Maelor Children's Ward |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23624102.wrexham-charity-match-officers-visit-maelor-childrens-ward/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=LeaderLive}}
Ruscoe was the lead organiser for a charity football match alongside his friend Steve Walters.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} He organised the Offside Trust vs Hollyoaks match at Chester F.C. on Mother's Day 2019. Ruscoe was integral in bringing celebrities like Rhodri Giggs, former Manchester United F.C. player Michael Clegg{{Cite web |title=Michael Clegg interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PZeXytFTv8 |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=YouTube| date=23 October 2024 }} and then Chester F.C. Managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to the event, which saw over 2,000 attendees.{{Cite web |title=Hollyoaks beat former players in Offside Trust game |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17542469.hollyoaks-beat-former-players-offside-trust-game/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Leader Live|date=April 2019 }}
In May 2023, Ruscoe helped raise over £11,000 for the Wrexham Maelor Children's Ward. This initiative was supported significantly by donations from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, co-owners of Wrexham AFC. The funds were raised through various efforts, including a charity match.{{Cite news |date=2023 |title=Wrexham charity match officers visit Maelor children's ward |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23624102.wrexham-charity-match-officers-visit-maelor-childrens-ward/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |work=The Leader}}{{Cite news |date=2023 |title=Wrexham children's ward boosted by Reynolds and McElhenney donation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd1z8dv8e01o |access-date=2024-12-10 |work=BBC News}} In June 2023, Ruscoe was awarded The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the community.{{cite web |title=Andrew Ruscoe |url=https://www.fjonesinitiative.co.uk/andrew-ruscoe |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=F Jones Initiative}}
= Public recognition =
Ruscoe 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 the NEWFA Bob Williams Service to Football Award in 2017.{{cite web |last=Cain |first=Nick |date=2017-07-17 |title=Wrexham-based football coach up for award after helping disabled youngsters enjoy the game |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wrexham-based-football-coach-award-13329852 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Daily Post |publisher=Reach plc}}
Personal life
Ruscoe has spoken about facing personal challenges, including family health issues, which have influenced his involvement in charitable activities, particularly supporting children's hospitals.{{cite news |date=2024-11-26 |title=Football team gives back to community through coaching initiative |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd1z8dv8e01o |access-date=2024-11-27 |publisher=BBC News}}
Ruscoe is an advocate for the positive impact of sport on mental health and community cohesion, continuing to promote these values through his work with local communities.{{cite news |date=2024-11-25 |title=Wales football coach inspires next generation through inclusive training |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-68645497 |access-date=2024-11-27 |publisher=BBC News}} In 2014, Brickfield Rangers launched a new community club initiative called BR in the Community, which Ruscoe has supported through his involvement in grassroots football.{{cite news |date=2015-03-13 |title=Brickfield Rangers community club launched |url=https://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brickfield-rangers-community-club-launched-8775542 |access-date=2024-11-26 |newspaper=Daily Post}}