Reading star Natasha Harding is backing Ryan Reynolds’ and Rob McElhenney’s decision to invest in women’s football as part of their Wrexham ownership.
And the Reading star reckons the Hollywood duos’ plans to splash some cash on the sport in north Wales could help unearth hidden talent.
Harding, 31, who is part of a 26-player squad taking part in a Wales training camp, was reacting to news of the stars’ intentions to spend £50,000 on women’s football. It comes days after the “Deadpool” actor and the “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star took full control of the National League outfit from the Wrexham Supporters Trust.
In a Twitter post Harding, who has 86 international caps with Wales, said:
Reynolds and McElhenney are making a £2million investment in Wrexham AFC. The club, who are 7th in the 5th tier of the men’s game, has been supporting girls and women’s football projects as part of its work with The Racehorse Community Foundation.
This includes the running of Wrexham Women’s football side who currently play in Division Two of the North Wales Women’s Football League. And the team, established in 2003, were founding members of the Welsh Premier Women’s Football League, the top division of the game in Wales.
Regarding the new Hollywood stars’ acquisition, Gemma Owens, head of female football at Wrexham’s Racehorse Community Foundation told BBC Sport:
“Both Ryan and Rob and their representatives are recognising that women’s football and girl’s football is a growing sport in this country and in north Wales particularly.
“The participation is increasing quite significantly. For them to recognise that is huge in itself. The fact that they are recognising that is going to go such a long way and for us to help continue to grow the game here.
“It’s going to be huge for the wider area and women’s football in north Wales generally,” she concluded.
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