Soccer Sevens: Wrexham women hail ‘all-in’ Hollywood owners as they reach Hong Kong final
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have done things ‘we never thought possible’, captain Lili Jones says as club shine on first trip to Asia
Wrexham captain Lili Jones on Saturday paid tribute to Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for their “all-in” attitude to growing the club’s women’s team, after they reached their final at the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong.
Following their takeover in 2021, American actors Reynolds and McElhenney pumped US$60,000 into the now increasingly high-profile women’s side.
Jones said the pair were “regularly in touch on socials and send us good luck messages before games”.
It was testament to the club’s rocketing profile that when Jones and her teammates landed at Hong Kong International Airport, they were met by “people with printed photos of us asking for autographs”.
“It’s massive for our profile to be here,” Jones said. “For our women’s team to be the first from the club to come to Asia is huge in Wrexham’s history and it’s an honour to be part of it. Everyone has been so friendly and it’s a great set-up.”
Wrexham stayed unbeaten in the group stage and will play Kitchee in Sunday’s final.