Think about it- isn’t Wrexham’s story just like the plot of Deadpool?- An unexpected partnership, a thrilling journey, and a twist of fate. Even as glitz and glamours have filled the world, Wrexham’s executive Gemma Owens has some plans for the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney duo to even do more, leading to a cause for creating a completely professional environment that alters face history in Welsh football, especially women’s game, forever.

The Hollywood duo is pouring something new into Wrexham, the kind of energy you’d expect from Reynolds’ Free Guy—innovative, boundary-pushing, and full of surprises. Founded in 1864 by John Roberts, Wrexham AFC is the oldest professional football club in Wales, having struggled for nearly 15 years before its takeover in 2020. Will the duo light the fires of revolution in Welsh football or leave the competition choking in its dust, much like a plot twist in Mythic Quest?

In an interview with Sam Mewis on The Women’s Game, Wrexham AFC’s head of women’s football operations, Gemma Owen, shared the club’s bold vision: “Hopefully, as we bring in new players, we’ll work towards a fully professional environment. No Welsh clubs are doing this yet, but we aim to lead the way.” She suggests introducing more kids, especially girls, to football through school taster sessions. With contracts, support, and recognition, Wrexham aims to inspire future players, including a potential U.S. tour for exposure.

Wrexham is moving towards new talent being recruited, especially for the women’s team. They will want talents such as Rosie Hughes, a star forward, linked with the club, to join their ranks. Hughes has apparently made waves in Welsh football and is now in talks with Wrexham as part of its efforts to build a fully professional women’s team. With this, the club is looking to establish the same level of professionalism for its women’s game as it has for its men’s.

On the men’s side, the club has been investigating experienced players to strengthen their squad. Wrexham has been linked with former Premier League stars like Andy Carroll and Steven Caulker, as well as other seasoned professionals. Above all, however, they are now trying to make sure that the team is capable of competing at the highest level, especially as they move forward in their efforts to progress through the leagues.

Wrexham’s fame soars on the world stage while there’s history in the making

Wrexham’s push to create a fully professional environment set a new standard for Welsh football. The club is building a strong foundation for success across all levels with modern facilities, top-tier coaching, and a commitment to player development. Gemma Owen emphasized that “Rob and Ryan put out their vision for the club, to support every aspect of it, including the women’s team.” This vision is already paying off, as Wrexham’s influence grows in both men’s and women’s football.

Now, talk about the fame and influence, a couple of celebrities joined Ryan Reynolds last December 15, 2024, at a 2-2 drawn match with Cambridge United, including Channing Tatum, Brandon Sklenar, and Billie Joe Armstrong. After the game, Reynolds took a walk into The Fat Boar pub where he bought drinks for fans, coupled with a cheeky holiday speech.

Besides, what’s most notable is that Wrexham’s aspirations to modernize the game, especially establish standards for women’s football, are now beginning to stir very real change in the game. The Welsh WNT, the national team of the majority of Wrexham’s players, has made history in qualification for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. With everything seeming to be falling perfectly into place, Wrexham is on its way to becoming quite literally the beacon of success in Welsh football, setting the kind of standard that others will follow.