Wroughton Youth FC Begins New Chapter as Wroughton & Wichelstowe FC

Wroughton Youth FC has announced an exciting new chapter in its history, revealing a new identity as Wroughton & Wichelstowe FC alongside the creation of a new charitable organisation designed to support the club's long-term future. The move represents the latest step in a journey that began in 1992 when Wroughton Juniors FC and Wroughton Rovers FC merged to form Wroughton Youth FC. Over the past 34 years, the club has grown into one of the area's leading grassroots football organisations, providing opportunities for thousands of young people and families to participate in the game. The new namereflects the club's continued growth and the expanded communities it now serves, while maintaining its strong connection to Wroughton and its proud heritage. The club intends to have full male & female pathways from under7, through to adult senior teams, as well as pan-disability football teams. As part of the transition, the club has established a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), creating a modern charitable structure that will strengthen governance, protect community assets and help unlock new opportunities for investment in football and wider community activities. Will Crowe, Trustee & Chair of the club said: "This is an evolutionary step in our club's story. Wroughton Youth FC was itself created through the coming together of two local clubs with a shared vision for the future. More than thirty years later, we are building on that same spirit of ambition and community. The new name reflects who we are today, while our new charitable structure will help ensure the club continues to thrive for generations to come. For this last season, the club fulfilled more than 500 league fixtures, and our 60+ volunteer coaches delivered over 1000 hours of high-quality training sessions across our 25 teams. We are excited to be expanding our football offerings with the introduction of pan-disability football. The growth in the club would not be possible without the fantastic support from partner organisations such as Wiltshire FA and Wroughton & Wichelstowe Parish Council", who, together provide and maintain the infrastructure required for grassroots football, and enables the club to thrive. The announcement has been welcomed by football and community leaders across Wiltshire. Simon Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Wiltshire FA, said: "We are delighted to see progress being made by this and other clubs across Wiltshire. "The new identity of Wroughton & Wichelstowe FC and the change in governance reflects their growth to date and their ambition for the future - both in terms of increasing participation and also improving the experience of their players, coaches, and volunteers. "At Wiltshire FA, we are here to support WWFC and all other clubs with their plans - both for the good of the game nationally and also for the local community they are part of." Cllr John Hewer, Chair of Wroughton and Wichelstowe parish Council, added: "The parish council is absolutely delighted to support the club through such an exciting time. "The move to Wroughton & Wichelstowe FC reflects the growth and evolution of our parish and aligns the club's identity with the communities it now serves. "As Wroughton and Wichelstowe continue to grow together as one parish, it is fitting that one of our most important community organisations reflects that shared identity. We welcome the club's commitment to both communities and look forward to supporting its continued success." While the name and legal structure are changing, football activities will continue uninterrupted, with players, volunteers and families remaining at the heart of everything the club does. ENDS