Seven students from Derwen College in Gobowen, near Oswestry, enjoyed the football adventure of a lifetime as they represented Wales with Wrexham AFC Foundation’s Red Dragons. The team returned from Houston, Texas, with medals, memories and a trophy after taking part in an international tournament for athletes with SEND and autism.

Students Jonathan, Lydia, Ollie, Kyle, George, Cai and Toby, who attend the college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), were part of Wrexham AFC Foundation’s Red Dragons squad, representing Wales at the week-long international tournament for athletes with SEND and autism, held at Rice University in Houston.

The Derwen College students joined young people from Wrexham and Denbighshire as part of the 12-strong team, supported by Derwen College staff volunteers Steve Evans, Sports Coordinator, and Jessie Vaughan, pathway lead, alongside Wrexham Foundation staff.

A total of 54 teams took part from around the world. After opening fixtures against Iceland, Denmark, Germany and Slovakia, Wrexham AFC were placed in a six-team group, playing sides Egypt, Turkey, Spain, Andorra and Costa Rica. The team finished top of their group to become cup winners, while Argentina were crowned overall winners.

For the Derwen College students, the trip was about far more than football. They also visited NASA, enjoyed a rodeo, explored Houston Museum of Natural Science and Cockrell Butterfly Center, shared an authentic Mexican meal, and joined a pep rally featuring the Harlem Globetrotters.

Lydia said: “To be able to play football in another country was amazing! That alone was such a great experience, but also to play for Wrexham, representing Wales, and being part of the squad was exciting. Even though I was the only girl on the team I felt included and fully part of it. And bringing the trophy home was the icing on the cake!”

Her mum, Julie Powell, said the week had been an unforgettable experience for players and families alike.

She said: “It was genuinely one of the best weeks we’ve had. Being there, seeing it, being together with everyone and experiencing the positivity was very special.

“The temperatures and humidity were brutal, but the players and coaches did so well to cope. The families all bonded and Steve called us ‘the red wall’.

“Steve and Jessie were simply awesome, so kind and supportive, as were the Wrexham coaches. It all made for a very special week.”

Steve Evans said the players had been fantastic ambassadors for Derwen College and Wrexham AFC.

He said: “The Genuine Cup was about so much more than football. It was about courage, inclusion, friendship, resilience and showing what can be achieved when everyone is given the opportunity to shine.

“It was a busy schedule, and without doubt an opportunity of a lifetime that none of us will ever forget.”

The trip reflects Derwen College’s commitment to helping students build confidence, independence, friendships and life skills through opportunities beyond the classroom.

To find out more about how Derwen College provides life-changing learning opportunities for young people with SEND visit www.derwen.ac.uk.