Colliers Park confirmed as venue for Wrexham Town Police Station FC's debut fixture

Colliers Park has been confirmed as the venue for Wrexham Town Police Station FC’s debut fixture next week.

The officers will face community side Bellevue FC on January 22, with the match to be played on the Gresford site’s impressive 3G pitch.

The high-end facilities at Colliers Park have been used previously by the Wales National Senior Men’s and Under-21 squads, while Wrexham FC Women have also played home fixtures there.

Sgt Dave Smith and Bellevue FC’s founder, Delwyn Derrick, were given a tour of the site by the FAW’s Lucy Scott ahead of the game.

Both were impressed by the facilities, which will be used to host the officers’ monthly games against other community sides going forward.

Sgt Smith said: “We really appreciate the support of the FAW in helping us to stage this game at Colliers Park.

“Their support for our community engagement initiative has been fantastic. They’ve helped to facilitate this game against Bellevue and allowed us the use of a fantastic set-up.

“It’s an opportunity for us to play on a brilliant surface that will be new to a lot of us and we’re looking forward to it massively.

“Our team has been set up to engage with everyone within the community and to break down some of those misconceptions that are out there when it comes to the police.

“We want to build bridges with our community, so we can build trust and confidence in the police. Securing a venue like this will help us achieve those aims and I’d really like to thank the FAW for all their support.”

With a team comprising off-duty male and female officers, this debut friendly match will be followed by further games against Wrexham Inclusion (5 February) and Yellow and Blue (5 March).

Though Welsh COVID regulations will prevent spectators from attending the 10am kick-off, the game will be broadcast live on an online stream.

Film crews from S4C will be present for the game, along with the FAW President, Steve Williams, who will be watching on from the touchline.

Looking ahead to the fixture, Delwyn said: “For us this a much different type of game we’d get in the league.

“We’ll be facing a mixed gender team, so this is a chance for us to get our lads and ladies all out on the same pitch and play together in an 11-a-side setting, which we’ve never been able to do before.

“It’s a first for our club. This is the police doing an event with a community football club at the historical home of Wrexham FC, which is now the FAW’s Development Centre for North Wales.

“When you’re talking about culture and history, this venue ticks every box for Wrexham’s sporting heritage.

“We’re really proud to be part of this match at an incredible venue. There’s a lot of interest in the game already which is fantastic.

“It’s a shame that it’ll be played behind closed doors, but when you’re playing in game that’s generated so much interest – how can you be anything but proud?”