Wrexham Women’s team, co-owned by Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, celebrated their promotion to the Adran Premier League on Sunday. The team secured their place in the highest tier of women’s football in Wales after a nail-biting match against Briton Ferry, which ended 1-0 in Wrexham’s favour. Rebecca Pritchard scored the crucial goal with just 15 minutes remaining. McElhenney expressed his delight on Twitter, writing: “ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. CONGRATULATIONS @WrexhamAFCWomen !!!!!!!”
Women’s football has seen a surge in support in recent weeks, with a record attendance of 9,511 at the Racecourse Ground last month for Wrexham Women’s match against Connah’s Quay Nomads. Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively were among those in attendance. The previous record of 5,175 was set in October 2020 for Cardiff City Women’s victory over Abergavenny.
Wrexham Women will now play in the Adran Premier League from next season onwards. The team secured their promotion in dramatic fashion, with Pritchard scoring the winning goal after getting to Rosie Hughes’ cross before Briton Ferry goalkeeper Courtney Young. Hughes came close to doubling Wrexham’s lead in the final minutes of the match, but her effort hit the crossbar. Briton Ferry then launched a counter-attack, but Wrexham keeper Delyth Morgan made a superb save to prevent an equaliser.
The team’s promotion was met with wild celebrations from fans and players alike, with coaches collapsing in a heap as they embraced. The men’s team are also looking strong for promotion back into the EFL, with Wrexham currently one point ahead of second-placed Notts County with three matches left to play. Phil Parkinson’s side also has a game in hand on County.