From Blockbuster to shock bus tour! Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney join open top parade with Blake Lively as thousands line the streets to cheer on football heroes
- Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are jetting the team to Vegas as a reward
Thousands of fans have lined the streets of Wrexham today in celebration of the football club winning the National League with a record total of 111 points.
The Welsh soccer team is marking its promotion to the fourth division of English soccer with an open top bus parade through the city today.
Wrexham AFC owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, accompanied by his wife Blake Lively, are set to join the crowds for the victory parade.
The celebrity owners will then reportedly jet the team off to Las Vegas as a reward for winning the league.
Reynolds and McElhenney were at the Racecourse Ground to join in on the wild celebrations when promotion was clinched with a 3-1 win over Boreham Wood last month.
Thousands of fans have lined the streets of Wrexham today in celebration of the football club winning the National League with a record total of 111 points
The Welsh soccer team is marking its promotion to the fourth division of English soccer with an open top bus parade through the city today
Fans flood the streets of Wrexham, Wales today before the victory parade kicks off
Ahead of the parade, Wrexham AFC CEO Fleur Robinson said: ‘It’s been a huge effort by everybody, on the pitch and off it, and this is a great opportunity for us to thank the community of Wrexham for their incredible support.
‘We are looking forward to commemorating a truly memorable and record-breaking season together.’
Wrexham Council’s lead member for economy and regeneration, Cllr Nigel Williams said: ‘I’m sure that people will be out in large numbers to show their support for both successful Wrexham champion teams, it will be a fantastic momentous occasion for Wrexham.
‘I would encourage everyone attending to spread themselves out along the entire route to get a good view of the parade.’
The club, which was down on its luck before the takeover by Reynolds and McElhenney, has gone on to earn global interest.
The documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ was streamed around the world and has made household names of players like Paul Mullin and manager Phil Parkinson.
But the drama on the field has also demanded attention, with Wrexham involved in some thrilling matches on the way to promotion, including a 3-2 win over closest rival Notts County last month.
Promotion ends the club’s 15-year absence from the English Football League.
Wrexham has announced it will play the LA Galaxy II at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 22 as part of a summer tour in the United States. Games against Premier League teams Manchester United and Chelsea have also been scheduled.
