Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the owners of Wrexham, will play football for the club during its US tour. Not with the first team, obviously.
The two Hollywood actors promised to hit the pitch in the 7-v-7 competition called The Soccer Tournament. Cary, North Carolina, hosts the 32-team in the inaugural event June 1-4. If Wrexham wins the tournament, they pledge to donate half of the $1m prize money to the local community.
“Wrexham AFC is an incredible story showcasing the experience that can unfold when fans, players and owners are equally committed to the Club and the community,” said The Soccer Tournament founder and CEO Jon Mugar added.
“We are proud to welcome the entire Wrexham AFC family to the US and TST to watch the Club compete in our electrifying format.”
Wrexham’s roster includes members of the team’s staff, including David Jones, Paul Rutherford, Shaun Pearson, and Mark Carrington. Meanwhile, the club’s official first-team teamers will also be playing pre-season friendlies this summer in the States. Opponents might feature Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea.
America’s love affair with Wrexham
Wrexham owners Reynolds and McElhenney have garnered significant media attention, especially in the United States, where their show “Welcome to Wrexham” is a smash hit.
The team nearly defeated Sheffield United in the replay of the FA Cup earlier this month. United is 71 places above Wrexham in the English football pyramid, sitting in The Championship, level 2.
Wrexham is currently aiming for promotion to League Two in the English Football League (EFL). They are second in the table, five points behind leaders Notts County with two games to play.
The club traces its roots back to 1864 when it was founded under the name Wrexham Cricket Club — they began playing football eight years later. The club has always played at the Racecourse Ground, which is the oldest international stadium in use today.
Let’s see if Ryan Reynolds can continue Wrexham’s Hollywood script.
Photo: Instagram/VanCityReynolds
