Wexford FC have announced a new agreement with Stafford Crane Group (SCG), which will see the US-based company invest in the club’s academy structure. Stafford Crane Group (SCG), led by Wexford native Patrick (Podge) Stafford, is providing a substantial investment to support the development of the club’s professional structure. The investment will take place with immediate effect.
Wexford FC and the Stafford Crane Group have outlined the following strategic aims of their partnership that will add professionalism and standards internally within Wexford FC. These include:
1. Development of the Academy in phases, by implementing new structures with an underpinned strategic approach. This will be achieved through investment in coaching, player development and conditioning, and upgrades to existing facilities.
2. Supplementing expertise from Reading FC and other European academies to help develop a pre-academy programme. Wexford FC’s partnership with Reading FC will provide idea and knowledge exchange surrounding player development.
3. Improvement of sports performance analysis for players in the academy. The club will work with FSCR (Football, Strength, Conditioning and Rehab), an elite performance and sports injury facility that is currently partnered with leading football clubs in the UK.
4. Creation of football pathways through education for young professionals. Commencing in September 2024, the club will establish a programme specifically for transition year students.
5. Encouragement of greater community involvement in the club. The club is aiming to continue its work of building relationships with players, parents, and coaches as well as local businesses.
Commenting on the investment, Mr Stafford said: “I am honoured to be in a position to support Wexford FC’s academy, to invest in young players and offer them opportunities that I would have relished as a young boy. The investment by Stafford Crane Group is aimed to strengthen the club’s academy and employ a professional structure which will help players and the club achieving success.”
Wexford FC CEO, Tony Doyle, also welcomed the investment: “On behalf of Wexford FC, I am delighted to see this sort of investment from a Wexford native now living overseas as it shows the belief in and support for this club. Such an investment from Stafford Crane Group allows Wexford FC to build on the existing strengths of the academy, with hopes in the coming years of making it the leader in League of Ireland academy set ups. This investment is an excellent support of sport in our locality, and I would encourage other Wexford natives living overseas to consider investing in Wexford FC.”
