Primary school pupils from Wrexham have been given a unique insight into the origins of Welsh football, participating in special educational workshops to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The engaging sessions were held at the historic Wynnstay Arms in Wrexham, the very location where the FAW was founded a century and a half ago.
Bringing History to Life for Young Learners
Organised by the team from the eagerly anticipated football museum for Wales, known as the Museum of Two Halves, the workshops invited local schoolchildren to discover the fascinating story of how and why the FAW was formed. The pupils were seated in the same room used for that inaugural meeting 150 years earlier, with tables arranged in a formal boardroom style complete with name holders representing the original attendees.
An Interactive and Hands-On Learning Experience
During the immersive workshop, pupils handled genuine historical objects, tried on replica period costumes, and used vintage football socks to explore how players were traditionally identified on the pitch. The session encouraged critical thinking, as children learned about who attended the first FAW meeting and were prompted to consider notable absences, leading to meaningful discussions about the women's game and global majority histories within Welsh football.
Eleri Farley, Learning Officer at the Wrexham Museum of Two Halves, explained the significance of the event: "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."
Building on Successful Educational Pilots
The workshops followed a similar format to a successful pilot project conducted with Carmarthenshire Libraries at the end of 2025, where pupils explored various narratives surrounding Welsh football, including the development of the women's game. This educational initiative supports the Curriculum for Wales by engaging schools with both local and national history in an innovative and memorable way.
Council Support and Football Hero Encounters
Paul Roberts, Wrexham County Borough Council's lead member for partnerships and community safety, praised the initiative: "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 educational day concluded with an exciting surprise for the pupils, as they had the opportunity to meet Welsh football legends Craig Bellamy and Chris Gunter, who arrived at the Wynnstay Arms for a commemorative FAW council meeting. Ian Gwyn Hughes, Head of Public Relations and Culture at the Football Association of Wales, described the occasion: "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."
Progress Towards a World-Class National Attraction
Meanwhile, redevelopment works at Wrexham's Museum of Two Halves are advancing rapidly, with gallery spaces taking shape and revealing an extensive new layout. The historic building is undergoing significant refurbishment, transforming into a brand new, world-class national attraction scheduled to open later this year. This anniversary event provided a compelling preview of the interactive and educational experiences that will be available to visitors when the museum officially launches.
