Rosie Hughes: The Wrexham striker unlocking defences and locking prison cell doors

Rosie Hughes: From Football Stardom to Cell Block Hero

Rosie Hughes, the star striker of Wrexham Women FC, has a unique double life that’s turning heads both on and off the football pitch. While many footballers’ careers involve chasing glory on the field, Rosie’s story includes unlocking defences on the pitch and locking prison cell doors in her day job as a prison officer at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham.

Rosie’s journey to semi-professional football and her role in the prison system has been nothing short of remarkable. Playing for a club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has thrust her into the spotlight. She’s gone from playing for free to signing a semi-professional contract, making television appearances alongside Hollywood royalty, and even meeting actual royalty.

But it’s not just Rosie’s football prowess that makes her stand out in the sprawling HMP Berwyn facility. The prisoners have taken notice, and they know she’s not just any prison officer; she’s also a footballer. Rosie confessed, “Not that I was ever shy to talk about playing for Wrexham, however, I did keep it inside. But there was an interview that I had when I was at the Racecourse ground with Ryan Reynolds, and it ended up being on Football Focus on television. Once something is spoken about in prison, it’s exciting, something new to talk about.”

Rosie’s journey with Wrexham Women FC has been equally exciting. The team’s inclusion in Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s takeover in 2021 marked the beginning of a rapid rise. They’ve been promoted to the top tier of women’s football in Wales, the Adran Premier, and adopted a semi-professional model.

Meeting Reynolds for the first time after a game-winning goal, Rosie recalls feeling like a superstar. “I’d just scored the winner at the Racecourse ground in front of nearly 10,000 people, so when he [Reynolds] grabbed me to introduce me to his wife and kids, it felt like I was the star,” she adds.

Navigating both her roles as a prison officer and footballer, Rosie sees common traits that make her successful in both worlds. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, communication skills, listening ability, and emotional intelligence. “Communication and working as part of a team is massive for both football and as a prison officer,” she notes.

Confidence is another key factor for Rosie, whether she’s on the pitch or in the prison blocks. “You need confidence in this job because you’ll get eaten alive if you don’t. It’s the same with football; you need to be confident on the ball,” she explains.

Rosie’s incredible record at Wrexham speaks for itself, with 97 goals in just 41 starts and one substitute appearance. Before the club offered semi-professional contracts, Rosie had tempting offers to play elsewhere, but a conversation with the club’s sports therapist, Gaynor Davies, convinced her to stay. “I’m so proud and happy that I stuck at Wrexham even though I wasn’t getting paid… it was the right decision to make,” she reflects.

Now, with her semi-professional status and a possible reduction in her prison officer hours, Rosie aims to devote more time to football. Her impressive seven goals in the 2023-24 season, including a stunning five-goal performance in one match, show that her dedication is paying off. Wrexham sits atop the Adran Premier league, and Rosie’s determination is propelling them forward.

Rosie Hughes is not just a footballer; she’s a symbol of determination, resilience, and balancing two worlds that may seem worlds apart. Her journey from football stardom to a cell block hero is a story that continues to inspire and captivate fans both on and off the pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rosie Hughes – Dual Life Success

More about Rosie Hughes – Dual Life Success

• Rosie Hughes – Wrexham Women FC Profile
• HMP Berwyn – Official Website
• Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham AFC Takeover
• Adran Premier – Women’s Football League in Wales
• Rosie Hughes’ Goal-Scoring Record
• Wrexham Women FC’s Success in 2023-24