Wrexham: The Oldest Football Club in Wales
Wrex the Dragon is the official team mascot.
Key words
- Opt: to choose one thing rather than others
Mike opted for early retirement.
- Anglicize: to make or become English in sound, appearance, or character
Lloyd is an anglicized form of the Welsh name Llwyd, meaning “gray(-haired)” or “senior."
- Turmoil: a state of confusion, uncertainty, or disorder
The Stock Exchange is in turmoil following a huge wave of selling.
- Evict: to force someone to leave somewhere
Tenants who fall behind in their rent risk being evicted.
- Rule: to decide officially
The judge ruled against the defendant.
Read the article to find the answers
- Who founded Wrexham AFC?
- What did Welsh nationalism develop in response to?
- What is the nickname of Wrexham AFC?
- Who owns Wrexham AFC today?
Wrexham AFC
Wrexham AFC was founded in 1864, making it the oldest professional football club in Wales. It was founded by members of Wrexham Cricket Club, who were looking for a sport to fill the winter months, and also partly by a social group in the town who wanted to provide more enriching hobbies for the young men of Wrexham.
Wrexham beat the Druids to win the first ever Welsh Cup final in 1878. The club went on to win a record 23 Welsh Cups before opting to join the English League.
Welsh Nationalism
In the 19th century, industrialisation led to the spread of the English language in education, government and public life throughout Wales. In response to this Anglicisation, a nationalist movement emerged in Wales. Various societies were formed with the specific aim of preserving and promoting Welsh identity through the use of the Welsh language and culture.
Traditionally, the Welsh language has been divided into four main dialects. Gogledd, Gogledd Ddwyrain, De-orllewin and De-ddwyrain. North-Eastern Welsh (Gogledd Ddwyrain), found in the areas around Wrexham, shares some features with North-Western Welsh (Gogledd), but has been influenced by English due to its proximity to the border.
Although Wrexham have been playing in the English rather than Welsh leagues since 1890, their nickname 'The Dragons' and official team mascot, Wrex the Dragon, reflect their Welsh heritage.
Turmoil & Tranquility
The club was in turmoil at the start of the 21st century and had to fight to keep their home at the Racecourse Ground when the then chairman tried to evict them, but the courts ruled in their favour and they were allowed to stay. In 2011, supporters raised more than £100,000 in just 24 hours to keep the club in the league. A few months later, the club was bought by its supporters under the Wrexham Supporters Trust.
In 2020, American actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made a bid to take over ownership of the club. Following a vote by the fans, the takeover was confirmed and the club became the subject of the award-winning documentary Welcome to Wrexham.
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Has anything been Anglicised in your country?
- Is there a nationalist movement in your country?
- What do you know about Welsh history?
- Do you know any famous Welsh people?
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