# Andrew Ruscoe

Andrew Lee Ruscoe (born 11 December 1986) is a Welsh football and futsal coach known for his contributions to semi-professional football in Wales. 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.

## 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.

## Football career
### As player

Ruscoe began his youth football career at Brickfield Rangers, where he played from 1994 to 2002. He then moved to Chester City FC's youth setup, playing from 2000 to 2002. Afterward, he joined Hightown FC for the 2002–2003 season.
Ruscoe's playing career spanned several semi-professional football clubs in Wales. He has played for the following teams: Gap Queens Park, Brickfield Rangers, Cefn Druids AFC, Rhydymwyn FC, Lex XI, Prestatyn Town, FC United of Wrexham
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.
Ruscoe later served as manager at Prestatyn Town.

### As coach

Ruscoe has managed and coached various teams in Wales, including: - Prestatyn Town FC (Manager) - 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 - Flint Town United Academy - Prestatyn Town Academy - Great Britain Futsal (Coaching role)
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.
During his tenure at Chester FC, Ruscoe collaborated with Jim Green and others to establish and expand the Chester FC Player Development Centre. 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.
In 2021, Ruscoe became manager of Prestatyn Town Football Club in Tier 2 of Welsh football, the JD Cymru North. Facing significant challenges early on, Ruscoe inherited a depleted squad after several players departed with the previous manager. 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.
Ruscoe helped secure the FAW Tier 2 licensing for Prestatyn Town for the second time.
Ruscoe was recognized for his efforts in tackling antisocial behaviour through football in Wrexham.
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.

### Community and charity work

Ruscoe has engaged in various charity work, including fundraising initiatives for FC United of Wrexham and other community outreach activities. His commitment to local charity and community service has garnered recognition over the years.
Ruscoe was the lead organiser for a charity football match alongside his friend Steve Walters. 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 and then Chester F.C. Managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to the event, which saw over 2,000 attendees.
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. In June 2023, Ruscoe was awarded The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the community.

### 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.

## 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.
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. 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.