The rise of Haverfordwest County AFC encapsulates the transformative journey that a small Welsh football club can undertake, reflected in the ambitions of its chairman, Rob Edwards. Five years ago, the story of Wrexham’s takeover by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney captivated football fans and highlighted the potential for non-league teams to ascend to higher echelons. Edwards, initially focused on his wine business, took a different path when he acquired Haverfordwest County, setting an ambitious target of reaching European football within three years.

In a notable feat, Haverfordwest County successfully entered the Conference League, making their debut two years ago by progressing to the second qualifying round after an impressive campaign against Macedonian side Shkendija. As the club prepares for yet another tilt at European competition this season, Edwards remains steadfast in his vision, stating, “Wrexham is a brilliant story and they’ve done a fantastic job, but we’re not trying to recreate that. We’re just a bunch of people who care deeply about sport.”

Under Edwards’s leadership, Haverfordwest County has experienced significant growth and community involvement, crucial in an area defined by its small population and retirement demographic. Attendance figures reflect this positive trend; during a crucial playoff match last season, over 1,700 fans showed up—15% of the local population. This support has been instrumental in driving initiatives that go beyond the pitch. The club’s community manager is leading projects aimed at bolstering local ties, underpinning Edwards’s commitment to long-term sustainability that could lead to a charitable trust to further support these efforts.

Parallel to the club’s development in Wales, Edwards’s ambitions extend beyond soccer. Recently acquiring a majority stake in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), Edwards aims to replicate the community-focused success he’s achieved with Haverfordwest. Having attended an OVW show in Kentucky toward the end of last year, he was struck by the energy and potential of the wrestling promotion. He expressed a desire to re-establish OVW as a prominent player in the wrestling business, noting, “It’s a fresh start. A chance to build on something special.”

Edwards plans to bring a community-centric ethos to wrestling, mirroring the strategies employed at Haverfordwest. He believes that engaging the local population—home to a significant number of potential fans—will help elevate OVW’s profile. “To be a national and international brand, we have to be local first,” he stated, resonating his belief that small impacts can lead to a substantial legacy.

While Haverfordwest County has celebrated a third-place finish in the league, Edwards acknowledges that there remains a competitive gap with teams like The New Saints. However, he remains optimistic, citing the development of young talent through Haverfordwest’s academy, which reached Category B status this past season. This system not only supports men’s football but is also fostering female talent, with players like Imi Scourfield representing national youth teams.

As he strives to create a leading portfolio across various sports, Edwards is keen on integrating learnings from both Haverfordwest and OVW. “These two worlds can actually learn from each other,” he remarked. “If we do this right, OVW won’t just be relevant again—it’ll be the blueprint for how wrestling can evolve.” His sights are set on achieving not just immediate success but fostering a lasting impact in both communities—an ambition that could redefine what it means to engage fans in modern sports.

As the upcoming seasons unfold for both Haverfordwest County and OVW, it remains to be seen how the intertwined paths of these two ventures will shape their futures. With a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and a desire to leave a lasting legacy, Edwards’s dual ambitions could serve as a case study for sports teams aiming to connect and grow their fanbases in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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Source: Noah Wire Services