Halifax Wanderers to Host Wrexham AFC in Under‑21 International Series Across Atlantic Canada
HALIFAX — Atlantic Canada is set to experience a thrilling summer soccer showcase as the Halifax Wanderers U‑21 side hosts the equally youthful Wrexham AFC academy in a three‑match International Summer Series this July. The high‑profile series, marking the third edition of its kind, features contests in three provinces: Halifax (July 5), Charlottetown (July 9), and Saint John (July 12) .
A Regional Takeover
The series kicks off at Halifax’s historic Wanderers Grounds on Saturday, July 5 at 3 p.m., followed by a Wednesday evening clash in Charlottetown at UPEI Turf Field on July 9, and concludes in Saint John at Canada Games Stadium on Saturday, July 12, with a 1 p.m. kickoff .
Global Names, Local Impact
Wrexham AFC’s under‑21 squad arrives with considerable acclaim, backed by their worldwide recognition under co‑owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their journey was spotlighted in the hit documentary “Welcome to Wrexham,” and the club recently celebrated promotion to the EFL Championship, marking a historic three consecutive promotions from the fifth-tier National League to the second-tier Championship . Founded in 1864, Wrexham is celebrated as the oldest club in Wales and among the oldest professional outfits globally .
Halifax Wanderers President Derek Martin emphasized the significance of featuring such a recognized international opponent: “Our goal is to help grow this beautiful game across our region…to bring a little bit of Hollywood to the Wanderers Grounds” .
Development, Not Just Exhibition
This isn’t just a series of exhibition matches; it’s an opportunity for regional talent development. Wrexham Academy Manager Andy Lowe highlighted the series as a key developmental milestone: “a fantastic opportunity … for our young players and staff to experience soccer outside of the U.K. and Europe, providing much‑needed development opportunities not just in soccer, but life skills too…” .
The tour also encourages engagement with local soccer ecosystems—universities, clubs, and fans—from across Atlantic Canada .
Building on Summer Series Tradition
Launched in 2023, the Wanderers’ International Summer Series has rapidly expanded: starting with a Halifax U‑23 team facing Germany’s Holstein Kiel in Moncton, Charlottetown, and Halifax, then evolving in 2024 into a five‑city U‑21 series featuring English clubs Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough . Sporting Director Matt Fegan lauded the series’ growth, saying partners like Rebirth Soccer are instrumental in “bringing high‑level matches to more corners of the region,” and that Wrexham’s visit will “showcase the growing talent pool of Atlantic Canadian players” .
Community and Economic Impact
The provincial governments and host cities are backing the series enthusiastically. Nova Scotia’s Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Dave Ritcey, noted that hosting Wrexham deepens Atlantic Canada’s ties to global football, “showcase[ing] the pride, passion and hospitality our province is known for” . Charlottetown Mayor Phillip Brown echoed the sentiment, calling the series “more than just a chance to showcase top‑level soccer – it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation” . Saint John’s Envision CEO Andrew Beckett emphasized the event’s role in enhancing the city’s vibrancy and economic profile .
Tickets & Access
Tickets for all three matches are now on sale, offering fans access to elite-level youth soccer for the cost of a top-tier event. With global attention on Wrexham’s under‑21s and strong local support, the series promises to be a summer spectacle.
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This series represents more than just three soccer matches—it symbolizes Atlantic Canada’s emergence as a destination for high-level soccer and provides an invaluable platform for regional talent to shine on an international stage.
Let me know if you’d like breakdowns of the squads, player interviews, or ticket info!
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