To Wrexham And Beyond - Update

A few weeks back I wrote about the upcoming UEFA U19 Euros, to be held in North Wales and starting this coming Sunday (June 28), with Wrexham's Racecourse Ground hosting Wales' group stage matches and the final on Saturday 11 July.

Just over a week later and there is another good opportunity to catch a match at the world's oldest international football stadium.

While there has been plenty of focus in recent season on the men's rise through the EFL divisions, Wrexham AFC Women are competing in European competition for the first time this summer.

They host a Champions League first qualifying round group, alongside FC Pyunik, Riga FC and Glentoran.

Semi-final matches (Glentoran v Riga at 1pm, Wrexham v Pyunik at 7pm) take place on Wednesday 22 July then on Saturday 25th there is a third place play-off at 12pm and the final at 6pm.

Day tickets are available for both matchdays, priced at £15 for adults and £6 for under-18's.

More Summer Shorts

Cray for Today: Founded in 1860, Cray Wanderers have a long, rich history and welcome AFC Whyteleafe to Flamingo Park as co-habitants for the 2026/27 season. The two clubs kick-off pre-season with a friendly against each other on Saturday 4th July (3pm) for which admission is free.

Down at the Park (Avenue): More free football at Bradford (Park Avenue) on Monday 13th July when Sheffield FC are welcomed to the Horsfall Stadium for a pre-season friendly that kicks off at 7:30pm.

Gulls v Bluebirds: As Torquay United welcome Cardiff City U21s to Plainmoor on Saturday 25th July for a 12pm kick-off in pre-season. The hosts have made this a 'Pay What You Want' fixture with donations welcome to the club's Youth Department.

School's out: Half-price admission for a pre-season friendly between Guiseley AFC and Stocksbridge Park Steels on Friday 17th July (£5, £3 and free for U18s) and schools or charity organisations working with primary school children in the Leeds and Bradford areas can contact the club to get a batch of tickets to distribute.

Eye on the prize: And, if you are in Sheffield over the coming months then pop into the city's Millenium Gallery for the Football Art Prize 2026, which runs until 13 September and has some fabulous photos, drawings, video and more. Admission is free with donations welcome.

Summer Shorts

Free football (trip to Denmark required): Newly promoted to League One, Notts County head to Denmark in pre-season and their game against Randers FC on Tuesday 14th July, at 6pm, is free to watch for those Magpies who make the trip.

Shots for a pound: The pre-season friendly between Aldershot FC and Farnborough, scheduled for 3pm on 18th July, is Army Engagement Day at the EBB Stadium with admission just £1 which will also cover the planned fixture earlier in the day (11am) between the two club's Women's teams.

Up with the Larks: I'm always impressed when clubs manage to maintain not only an effective social media presence but also a good quality website, as I know how much work is needed from volunteers to do so. Larkfield & New Hythe FC of the SCEFL are a great example of this and all pre-season friendlies at the club are 'pay what you want' admission.

Livi-ng it up: Aiming to bounce back after relegation from the top-flight in Scotland, Livingston FC are offering free season tickets to all Primary 6 and 7 children in West Lothian for the 2026/27 season, which will also allow parents and guardians to join them in the Fanily Stand for £5 per game.

Hey there: Six home pre-season friendlies are scheduled at Heybridge Swifts, starting on Saturday 4th July, and all are free admission for spectators.