Phil Parkinson says Wrexham are "privileged" to have been invited back to the United States for another high-profile pre-season tour. The Championship club travel this week and will face Premier League opposition in Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland.
The club’s previous tours of America have drawn large crowds, helped by their global profile under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac and the success of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series.
Why does Parkinson value the tour?
Parkinson said the trip is a significant opportunity for the club and one he does not take lightly.
"It's a real privilege for us to be invited back there and attract the games and to be invited to play three Premier League clubs.
"When I speak to people around the country a lot of the Premiership clubs would like to be in America
"But getting the games and the tour has been difficult because of the World Cup.
"It's quite amazing for us and we never, ever take it for granted at all.
"It's very special to be part of a Wrexham squad travelling across the Atlantic and I want the lads to appreciate that."
Wrexham are preparing for a second successive season in the Championship and will begin their US schedule against Leeds in Tampa on Sunday, 26 July before meeting Liverpool in New York four days later. Their final pre-season fixture is against Parkinson’s former club Sunderland on Sunday, 2 August in Philadelphia, where Wrexham co-owner Rob Mac is from.
What has Wrexham’s recent US experience been like?
Wrexham toured the US in 2023 and 2024, with opponents including Manchester United and Chelsea, before heading to Australia and New Zealand for their 2025 pre-season. Parkinson said those trips have created lasting memories for the club and its supporters.
"The three tours we've had have been absolutely incredible," Parkinson added.
"The memories which have been created on those trips and the games and the places we've visited and the reception the club has had in the US has been absolutely amazing.
"We're looking forward to getting out there again
"There's been an air of anticipation for this trip because of the stadiums we're playing at and obviously the opposition we're playing against.
"Obviously we haven't been there for two years, but the last time we went there, the attendances were right up there.
"The atmospheres and the kind of support we had was brilliant and it's good to be taking another group of players out there with us.
"I know a lot of the players' families coming out to America, which is brilliant for them because their kids and parents and families coming out and having this experience with them is what it's all about.
"But obviously the lads know when we're out there, there's a real focus on what we've got to do on the training pitch and the games."
The club’s previous tours have also been notable for the strong attendances and atmosphere around the matches, which Parkinson said helped make the experience especially memorable for players and staff.
Who is unavailable and who is travelling?
Forward Ryan Hardie will miss the trip because of a thigh strain, while Ryan Longman is expected to return to full training during the tour. Elliot Lee, who missed last week’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in Helsinki, will also travel to the United States.
"He's going to come on the trip because we feel that he should be in contention for the second game," Parkinson said.
"But equally we want to keep Elliot with us because, physically, he's in good shape.
"Even if he doesn't get many minutes out there, it'll be important for him to continue his training to maintain his fitness."
Parkinson said keeping Lee with the squad is important both for his potential involvement in the second match and for maintaining his condition during the trip.
Wrexham’s visit comes amid continuing interest in the club’s rise and their growing international profile, with the upcoming fixtures against Leeds, Liverpool and Sunderland set to provide another high-profile test ahead of the new Championship campaign.
