Career
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. [6]
Ruscoe’s playing career spanned several semi-professional football clubs in Wales. He played for the following teams: - Gap Queens Park - Brickfield Rangers [7] - Cefn Druids AFC [8] - Rhydymwyn FC - Lex XI - Prestatyn Town [9] - FC United of Wrexham [10]
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. [11]
Ruscoe later served as manager at Prestatyn Town, thanks to then chairman Jamie Welsh, where his strategic decisions contributed to the team's survival. His role at Prestatyn was widely praised in local and national media for its impact on Welsh football development. [12]
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 (Manager) [13] - 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 [14] - Flint Town United Academy - Prestatyn Town Academy - Great Britain Futsal (Coaching role) [15]
In 2016, Andrew Ruscoe was instrumental in forging a partnership between Brickfield Rangers and GAP Personnel. This sponsorship deal marked a significant step in the club's development, providing essential support for their community and football initiatives. The partnership was part of the club's broader strategy to establish itself as a semi-professional outfit and strengthen its impact within the local community. [16]
In 2017, Ruscoe was appointed as the **Head of Community** at Connah's Quay Nomads. However, after just two days, he accepted a position at **Chester FC's Community Trust** as the Schools Partnership Coordinator. Despite being offered a salary of £18,000 per year, Ruscoe chose to take a pay cut to bring his former junior coach at Brickfield Rangers, Kalvin Williams, to Chester FC. This decision, supported by CEO Jim Green, aimed to strengthen the Community Trust's capacity and outreach.
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 behavior 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. [17]
In 2021, Ruscoe became manager of Prestatyn Town Football Club in Tier 2 of Welsh football, the JD Cymru North. [18] Facing significant challenges early on, Ruscoe inherited a depleted squad after several players departed with the previous manager. This left him with just 3 players heading into the Christmas COVID-19 period. Forced to adapt quickly, Ruscoe fielded a starting lineup featuring six players aged 16 to 18 in his first game. [19]
Despite limited resources, no budget and no training sessions, Ruscoe rebuilt the squad within two weeks. Once restrictions allowed, he emphasized mental toughness, selecting players who demonstrated resilience and a willingness to push through challenges. This ethos was tested immediately, as Prestatyn played three matches in five days, including two games less than 24 hours apart. While results were mixed, this period was seen as a success. Ruscoe managed to steer the team clear of relegation, fostering a unified fighting spirit among the newly assembled squad. A defining moment came when he introduced a team-bonding ritual: leading the players in a rousing rendition of *Country Roads* in the changing room. This event, recorded before a narrow 1-0 loss, highlighted his focus on morale and cohesion. [19]
Additionally, Ruscoe played a crucial role in securing the FAW Tier 2 licensing for Prestatyn Town for the second time, further solidifying his impact during a tumultuous yet transformative period for the club. [20]
Ruscoe’s work in coaching has been celebrated across the UK, including recognition for his efforts in tackling antisocial behaviour through football in Wrexham. [21]
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 and Christmas presents to children in hospitals and care homes. [22] His commitment to local charity and community service has garnered recognition over the years. [23]
Ruscoe was the lead organiser for a charity football match alongside his good 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 [24] and then Chester F.C. Managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley to the event, which saw over 2,000 attendees. [25]
IIn May 2023, Ruscoe played a pivotal role, in collaboration with Wrexham Police, in raising 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. [26] [27] In jJune 2023, Ruscoe was awarded The FJ Jones Wrexham Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the community. [28]
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. [29]
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. [30]
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. [31]
Andrew Ruscoe gained significant media attention in 2014, whilst playing for the Turf Pub FC, when he appeared on BBC One's The One Show, where former Welsh international footballer Robbie Savage played for Bradley FC in a Sunday Football match. [32] During the broadcast, Savage scored a free kick against Ruscoe, [33] and was heard commenting that Ruscoe should have done better in preventing the goal. [34]
In 2018, Ruscoe made an appearance on the BBC program The Hour, where he discussed the importance of projects in schools to educate young people about anti-social behaviour. During the event, Ruscoe highlighted how the government should fund initiatives such as the #StayOnSide project. [35]
In January 2023, Ruscoe appeared on BBC Radio Wales to discuss the £1,600 donation from Ryan Reynolds to FC United of Wrexham and how it would support the club's development. [36] Shortly afterward, he was interviewed on Heart FM by Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, where he elaborated on the significance of Ryan Reynolds' gesture and its effect on the community. [37]
In April 2023, Ruscoe extended his media reach internationally by featuring on Australian Radio 2GB, where he spoke about Wrexham's growing global recognition and Ryan Reynolds' involvement in supporting local initiatives. [38] These appearances showcased Ruscoe's passion for FC United of Wrexham, his involvement in community projects, and his commitment to promoting local football on both national and international platforms.
Viral Moment on X
In October 2023, Andrew Ruscoe went viral on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after sharing an emotional video detailing a series of personal challenges he faced within two weeks. In the video, Ruscoe revealed that he had been promoted on a Friday from a Technical Expert in Sport to a Technical Expert in Education at JM Excellence in Training. However, while on annual leave, he was summoned to an emergency meeting and informed that the company was going into liquidation on the following Monday. Alongside the loss of his job and promotion, Ruscoe also shared the grief of losing his grandmother during this difficult period.
The video resonated with over 1 million people who commented, shared, and expressed their support. Notable figures such as Terry Christian, June Slater and Sara Cox publicly offered words of encouragement to Ruscoe on X, amplifying the conversation.
This experience was further documented on Tim Gatt’s YouTube show, *Sorry You Went Viral*, where Ruscoe recounted the events and discussed the overwhelming response he received online. [39]
YouTube Presence
Andrew Ruscoe has been a vocal contributor on the YouTube channel Welcome To The Other Wrexham, where he discusses topics related to Welsh football, his personal health challenges, and the promotion of FC United of Wrexham. Through the channel, Ruscoe has highlighted the club's aspirations, including their journey toward qualifying for the UEFA Futsal Champions League.
In January 2024, Ruscoe addressed the controversy surrounding the returned donation from Tristan Tate in a video, providing insight into the decision and its implications for the club's values and direction. Additionally, he has used the platform to share his experiences with palindromic rheumatism and dyslexia, aiming to educate others and inspire understanding about invisible illnesses. By openly discussing his challenges and footballing career, Ruscoe hopes to empower others to learn from his experiences and promote greater awareness in the community.
Ruscoe has also used his YouTube channel to promote various organizations and tourist attractions, including highlighting the beauty and history of castles around Wrexham. His video, "Exploring Wrexham Castles," showcases these landmarks and aims to inspire interest in local tourism and heritage.
The #StayOnSide Project: Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Through Sport
The #StayOnSide Project is an initiative aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour by engaging young people in sports, particularly football. The project was developed by Andrew Ruscoe, an award-winning football coach, and has been implemented in various schools and communities across Wrexham, Chester, and Llanelli. It focuses on using football as a means to educate young people on the effects of anti-social behaviour and to encourage positive behaviour change.
In 2018, Ruscoe appeared on the BBC program The Hour, where he discussed the importance of delivering such projects in schools as a preventative measure. He emphasized the role of government funding in supporting initiatives like the #StayOnSide project. Ruscoe's appearance highlighted the potential of sports-based interventions to engage young people and steer them away from anti-social behaviour. [40]
The project has been implemented in schools across Wrexham and Chester, using football sessions to engage students in discussions about anti-social behaviour. The sessions aim to teach students about the potential impact of such behaviour on communities, while providing them with alternatives for positive engagement. The project has been described as an effective way to engage children, as it uses football to capture their attention while addressing important social issues. [41]
Following its success in Wrexham and Chester, the #StayOnSide project was expanded to Cefn Community Council, where it continued to deliver sessions aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour. In 2023, the project was rolled out to Llanelli Town Council as part of their sports department's efforts to address similar issues in their community. [42]
The #StayOnSide project demonstrates how sports-based initiatives can be used as a tool to address social issues, particularly those affecting young people. By engaging youth in structured activities, the project aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote positive community values.
Controversy
In 2024, Ruscoe and FC United of Wrexham received a £5,000 donation from Tristan Tate. [43] However, the donation was refunded the same day following public backlash and sponsors pulling out 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. [44]
Shortly after, Tristan Tate publicly criticized Ruscoe during an episode of the Emergency Room Rumble Podcast, co-hosted with Andrew Tate. The segment went viral, reaching over 2 million viewers, and resulted in a wave of memes, hate, and personal attacks directed at Ruscoe for his decision to return the donation.
Ruscoe explained that one of the key reasons he returned the donation was that, upon reflecting on his very own daughter, he could not support a world that perpetuated harmful attitudes toward women. He also clarified that he was initially unaware of who Tristan Tate was or what he stood for, as he had simply noticed Tate’s bio as a kickboxer with a large following of 3 million people. Ruscoe emphasized that he had asked Tate for a retweet, not for a donation or any form of money, a claim that was proven to be correct after the event. Tate had initially claimed that Ruscoe had asked for funding, but this was later disproven. [45]
