Wrexham's new multi-million-pound academy training ground has been ransacked by thieves.
Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have bankrolled the club's rise to the upper echelons of League One. While they have spent heavily on new signings, the duo have also invested in the Dragons' infrastructure.
That includes a new state-of-the-art facility which will play host to the club's academy. The training ground, based in the village of Rossett, is currently being constructed, with two buildings being created to host changing rooms, offices, a medical room and a gym.
The proposals were backed by Wrexham Council's planning committee in December. But just a few weeks later, the League One side have been hit by burglars targeting their new facility.
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According to WalesOnline, thieves targeted the site over the Christmas period. North Wales Police have confirmed that a valuable John Deere tractor and Bateson trailer were among the items taken, with a padlocked gate also damaged.
The break-in is understood to have occurred sometime between December 20 and January 3. Wrexham have confirmed the club has filed a police report and is now looking to recover costs via its insurers.
A North Wales Police spokesperson added: "Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101, or via our website, using reference number 25000008049."
Wrexham currently sit third in League One and are battling Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers for an automatic promotion place. The club unveiled their plans for a new academy base last July, with academy manager Andy Lowe hailing the 'significant milestone'.
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“I am delighted to finally see the Academy facility project with Darland High School come to fruition. This is a significant milestone for our Academy at Wrexham AFC and is the accumulation of eight months of extremely hard work behind the scenes by numerous people," he said.
“The development of home-grown players is integral to the long-term sustainability of any football club and the announcement of this facility is a step in the right direction in ensuring we continue to develop Wrexham AFC players of the future.
“The Club were awarded an EFL Category Four license in July 2023 with a strategy to establish a safe to operate and compliant academy – highlighted by a very successful audit – and to endeavour to find a long- term training facility.
“In 12 months, we have achieved both and all involved should be extremely proud of their efforts. The Darland facility now provides us with a fantastic opportunity to support of our ongoing Category Three application and aspirations of becoming an EFL Category Three-Two Academy.
“Finally, it is extremely pleasing to see the significant investment the club are committing to this project, which will have a lasting impact on young people in the academy, school and local community for many years to come.”
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