Wrexham, where Hollywood meets football

Locals in Wrexham, Wales, think they're dreaming. Their football team has just won an important competition - the National League.

The poor Welsh football club was recently bought by two Hollywood actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Before September 2020, the club belonged to supporters. For several years, the team faced difficulties, but now, their luck's completely changed.

Stephen Hughes is a local fan.

Stephen Hughes: "So, I think people were a little bit suspicious, maybe, that it would be a Hollywood plaything. But I think the past few years have proved to the fans that these guys are serious, it's a long time project. And, in old fashioned language, they've been bitten by the bug. In more modern language, they get it."

Since buying the club in early 2021, the stars have spent about £10 million of their own money. They found a new manager and attended matches. They got to know local people and Reynolds bought a house nearby.

The two actors enjoyed the club's latest important win. The result means the club won the Welsh National League and can now enter the English Football League. Supporters are extremely happy.

Darryl Farrald: "It means the world to me. I've been supporting them since 1974, and as you can see, the younger generation are going to see the times that I've seen."

Tracey Jones, a big fan, says it's all due to 'Rob and Ryan'.

Tracey Jones: "When the rumours first came out a couple of years ago that they were taking over the town and the football club, nobody ever dared to believe that it was true. But, you look at it now, you wouldn't imagine it. And what's the thing? What's possible in four to five years time? Premier League? Who knows."

The club's story's already a Disney Documentary series. A Hollywood movie might be the next thing. That, or football's Premier League.

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