Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club marked a momentous occasion today with the official opening of its new state-of-the-art community pavilion and changing facilities — a transformational development made even more special with the heartfelt naming of the venue in honour of local cricketing legend Ron Pearson.
Now officially known as Pafiliwn Ron Pearson, the facility was unveiled in front of a packed gathering of community members, local leaders, and cricketing dignitaries. The naming of the pavilion serves as a deeply emotional and heartwarming tribute to Ron Pearson, whose remarkable 60-year commitment to the club and the wider cricket community has left an indelible legacy.
Ron, who was present with his family for the occasion, was visibly moved by the gesture. He was recently honoured with the Cricket Wales Lifetime Achievement Award, named the overall winner of the ECB Lifetime Achievement Award, and granted ECB Vice President Membership — recognition that underscores his extraordinary dedication to the game.
“This facility represents a significant step forward in our mission to make cricket a game for everyone,” said Victoria Jones, Facilities Investment Manager at Cricket Wales. “We are proud to have supported Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club in developing a space that will welcome and inspire the next generation of players, volunteers, and community leaders.”
The event was also attended by a host of prominent local figures, including Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, Alwyn Jones, Chief Executive of Wrexham Council, Cllr Tina Mannering, Local County Borough Councillor for Gwersyllt East Ward and Lady Deputy Mayor of Wrexham, and Barry Cawte, CEO of Cricket Wales.
The £900,000 project — supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, ECB, Sport Wales, and a successful local Crowdfunder campaign — has been widely praised as a model example of how “levelling up” investment can deliver real, lasting benefit to local communities.
“This is more than a cricket ground — it’s a hub for learning, connection, and opportunity,” said Mark Byrne, Chair of Gwersyllt Park Cricket Club. “And naming it after Ron Pearson ensures it is forever rooted in the values of service, dedication, and passion for community.”
Designed as a fully inclusive facility, Pafiliwn Ron Pearson offers top-tier cricketing amenities alongside flexible community spaces, education and conference rooms, and will serve as a base for Cricket Wales’ regional operations. It is expected to play a vital role in fostering participation, leadership, and wellbeing in Wrexham and beyond.
The opening day concluded with warm celebrations, stories shared, and a clear sense of pride and optimism as a new chapter began — one built on the foundation laid by Ron Pearson and the many who have helped shape Gwersyllt’s cricketing journey.