Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are facing a dilemma when it comes to paying the Wrexham AFC Women’s team. Due to regulations in the league, they were not allowed to pay the team when they were in amateur status. The team won a Tier 1 license in March 2023 and became a semiprofessional football team in June of the same year. The Wrexham women’s team signed 10 players on semiprofessional contracts and joined the Adran Premier League, making them the first club in North Wales to have a semiprofessional women’s football setup.
Gemma Owen, the head of women’s football operations, expressed excitement about the historic moment for the Football Club and women’s football in North Wales. The 10 semiprofessional players were praised for being great role models and pioneers in the sport. Humphrey Ker, Wrexham’s executive director, revealed that the women’s team has moved to a different stadium with a more sophisticated setup. As a semiprofessional team, they have access to more resources and funding. If the team wins the Adran Premier during the 2023-2024 season, they will compete in the Women’s Champions League.
The Women’s Champions League is a European competition where clubs who win their respective leagues in their domestic countries compete with clubs from other countries. This presents a new challenge for the women’s team as they transition from dominating their division to facing stronger competition. New episodes of Welcome to Wrexham, a show documenting the club’s journey, premiere on FX on Thursdays. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are determined to support and elevate the women’s team amidst regulatory challenges in the league.
Overall, the Wrexham AFC Women’s team has made significant strides in becoming a semiprofessional team and competing in the top women’s football league in Wales. The support and resources provided by the club have allowed the team to thrive and have aspirations of competing in the Women’s Champions League. The success of the women’s team is seen as a milestone for women’s football in North Wales, inspiring young girls in the region to pursue their football dreams. The determination of the team and the club’s executives to navigate challenges and support the women’s team highlights their commitment to promoting gender equality and excellence in football.
Despite facing hurdles such as league regulations and competition from other teams, the Wrexham women’s team remains focused on their goals of winning championships and representing their club on a national and international level. The move to a new stadium and access to more resources have provided the team with a stronger foundation to achieve success. The ongoing journey of the women’s team will continue to be documented in Welcome to Wrexham, showcasing the dedication, talent, and potential of the players and the club. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s involvement in supporting the women’s team reflects their commitment to empowering women in football and growing the sport in the region.
