Wrexham striker Rosie Hughes praised team co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds for their constant support of the women’s soccer team. Since purchasing Wrexham AFC in 2020, McElhenney and Reynolds have been actively involved in the women’s team, attending events and games, and working on the house front. The team was included in the show Welcome to Wrexham for its second season, helping to raise the profile of the women’s team. Hughes described McElhenney and Reynolds as genuinely nice and down-to-earth people who make the players feel like it’s about them, not about the owners.
The Wrexham AFC Women were promoted to the Adran Premier League in 2023, becoming first-tier soccer players in North Wales. This achievement, coupled with their inclusion in the show Welcome to Wrexham, has the players feeling like they can be part of making history and putting Wrexham on the map. Despite the progress in women’s sports, Hughes believes there is still a long way to go, especially in terms of equal pay. She acknowledges the growth and increased visibility of women’s sports compared to 20 years ago when she started playing football, but recognizes that there is still work to be done in terms of advertising and promotion for women’s sports.
During a recent tour in Los Angeles, the Wrexham AFC Women’s team partnered with Good Sports and Gatorade to surprise the Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes (ELLA) Sports Foundation with a soccer clinic and a $20,000 equipment donation. This initiative aimed to encourage young girls, particularly Latina girls or girls of color, to pursue their passion for football. Hughes was thrilled to meet the talented and passionate young girls and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for girls in sports, noting that when she was younger, she did not have the same level of support and opportunities that are now being offered through programs like the ELLA Sports Foundation.
Hughes expressed her gratitude towards Good Sports and Gatorade for brightening the lives of young girls and empowering them to follow their passion for football with their generous donation. She highlighted the significance of organizations like the ELLA Sports Foundation in providing opportunities for girls who may not have had access to such resources in the past. Through initiatives like the soccer clinic and equipment donation, the Wrexham AFC Women’s team hopes to inspire and encourage young girls to pursue their dreams in sports. Hughes reflected on her own journey in football, expressing that she had an amazing time meeting the young girls and witnessing their talent and passion for the sport.
Overall, Hughes remains optimistic about the future of women’s sports and the progress that has been made in recent years. She believes that initiatives like the one with Good Sports and Gatorade are beneficial in promoting women’s sports and providing opportunities for young girls to participate and excel in athletics. Through their involvement with community organizations and events, the Wrexham AFC Women’s team hopes to continue making a positive impact and inspiring the next generation of female athletes. With the ongoing support of team co-owners McElhenney and Reynolds, the women’s team is poised to continue making strides in the world of soccer and beyond.
