Andrew Lee Ruscoe

Andrew Lee Ruscoe (born 11 December 1986) is a Welsh football and futsal coach known for his contributions to grassroots football in Wales. Ruscoe is the chairman, co-founder, and manager of FC United of Wrexham, a non-profit football and futsal club established in 2020. The club competes in both football and futsal leagues and has expressed long-term goals of advancing to higher levels in both sports.
==Early Life and Background==
Andrew Ruscoe was born on 11 December 1986 in Wrexham, Wales. He developed an early interest in football and futsal, pursuing both sports at semi-professional levels. 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. He has been recognized for his commitment to community involvement through sport, particularly in his role with FC United of Wrexham.
==Youth Career==
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, further developing his skills before transitioning into senior football. In 2015, Brickfield Rangers launched a new community club initiative, which Ruscoe has supported through his continued involvement in grassroots football.
==Football Career==
Ruscoe’s playing career spanned several semi-professional football clubs in Wales. He 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 highlighted his skills and dedication to futsal at an elite level.
Ruscoe later served as interim manager at Prestatyn Town, where his strategic decisions contributed to the team's growth and success. His role at Prestatyn was widely praised in local and national media for its impact on Welsh football development.
==Coaching Career==
Ruscoe has been a prominent coach at several clubs, with a focus on developing youth players and fostering community engagement. He has managed and coached various teams in Wales, including:
- Prestatyn Town FC (Caretaker 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)
Ruscoe’s work in coaching has been celebrated across the UK, including recognition for his efforts in tackling antisocial behavior through football in Wrexham.
==Community and Charity Work==
Outside of football, Ruscoe is known for his significant contributions to the Wrexham community. He has actively engaged in charity work, including fundraising initiatives for FC United of Wrexham. Ruscoe has worked to tackle antisocial behaviour through sport, particularly football, and has been involved in community outreach activities such as donating Easter eggs to children in hospitals and care homes. His commitment to local charity and community service has garnered recognition over the years.
In 2023, Ruscoe was awarded The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the community.
==Public Recognition==
Ruscoe’s efforts in coaching, community work, and now his contributions to the arts have not gone unnoticed. He 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.
Other notable awards include:
- 2021 The Wrexham Leader Courage of the Year Award
- 2022 The AVOW Volunteer of the Year Award
- 2023 The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award
Ruscoe's coaching impact was further celebrated in a *Daily Post* article highlighting his contributions to youth football and his recognition as a Wrexham-based football coach winning prestigious awards.
In 2024, Ruscoe was also credited as an author for *The By Lines Cymru* for the article **“Family-friendly creative workshop at Cefn Mawr Museum this weekend”**, co-written with Claire Farrell. The article highlighted a creative workshop at the Cefn Mawr Museum that fostered community engagement through a collaborative zine-making project.
==Controversy==
In 2024, Ruscoe and FC United of Wrexham received a £5,000 donation from Tristan Tate, which was later refunded following public backlash due to Tate’s controversial personality. This incident sparked public discourse, but Ruscoe’s decision to return the funds was seen as an effort to uphold the club’s values and maintain its community integrity.
==Personal Life==
Ruscoe has been open about the personal challenges he has faced, including health concerns within his family. These experiences have significantly shaped his approach to charity work, particularly in supporting children’s hospitals. Known by the nickname "Chopper," Ruscoe is a passionate advocate for the positive impact of sport on mental health and community cohesion, continuing to promote these values through his work with local communities.
==Achievements==
Throughout his career, Ruscoe has been recognized for his significant contributions to both sport and the community. His awards include:
- **2016**: Wrexham Sports Awards Coach of the Year
- **2017**: NEWFA Community Coach of the Year
- **2017**: NEWFA Bob Williams Service to Football Award
- **2021**: The Wrexham Leader Courage of the Year Award
- **2022**: The AVOW Volunteer of the Year Award
- **2023**: The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award
==Education==
- BA Hons Youth and Community, Glyndŵr University (2016)
- PGCE, Glyndŵr University (2018)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, University of Chester (2019)
Category:1986 births
Category:Welsh Football League
Category:Futsal coaches
Category:People from Wrexham
Category:English people