Support our Nation today - please donate here
News

Wrexham AFC to play friendly game – in Chester, sunny Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

19 Jun 2021 3 minute read
Philadelphia Union’s ground, Subaru Park

Wrexham AFC’s owners, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, have fixed an ‘international’ friendly game for the club in the United States.

The two will be bringing their team ‘Stateside’ for a match against the Philadelphia Union on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

This is the first time ever for the club to play in the United States.

The game will take place at the home of the Philadelphia Union, Subaru Park – ironically located in Chester, Pennsylvania.

In the past the club has arranged pre-season training camps games in Portugal – and have invited the fans.

As part of the club’s preparations for the 2021/22 season, the Red Dragons will spend five days at a training camp, including the showpiece fixture.

Philadelphia is the home city of Wrexham co-chairman Rob McElhenney, and it is anticipated he and Ryan Reynolds will be together to watch the team live for the first time.

Wrexham AFC players will also debut the club’s new away strip for the game in Philadelphia.

In addition to the match, The Union are hosting a community event around the game, which will see Rob McElhenney play an integral part.

Several local charities will subsequently benefit from Wrexham AFC’s first visit to the United States, including Philabundance and CORA Services.

Hunger

Philabundance was founded in 1984 “with the simple belief that no one should go hungry while healthy food goes to waste.”

It states: “Our mission is to drive hunger from our communities today and to end hunger for good. In addition to food distribution, we strive to reduce food waste, increase access to nutritious meals, and tackle the root causes of hunger through programs such as the Philabundance Community Kitchen.”

Rooted in a tradition of care and compassion, the mission of CORA Services is to assist children, youth and families experiencing emotional, academic and social challenges.

Tickets for the game be free, but all those in attendance are asked to bring food donations for Philabundance.

The announcement was made by Rob McElhenney on The Preston & Steve Show.

According to the show, the istribution of tickets is still being worked out.

Both Rob and Ryan are said to be “excited to bring their team stateside and finally see a game in person. ”

Ryan is filming a movie but making every attempt to be in attendance.

Three days ago, Rob created a sensation when he tweeted in Welsh about his support for Wales in the Euros. His tweet, translated from Welsh into English, said:  “This time last year I barely watched football and knew very little about Wales. Today, I will be glued to my television and scream Wales forever! The power of sport is immense. Welsh power is poetic.”

According to The Preston and Steve Show: “The game and all of the behind the scenes antics will be filmed for Welcome to Wrexham, an FX docuseries following the actors’ purchase and stewardship of the Welsh soccer team.”


Support our Nation today

For the price of a cup of coffee a month you can help us create an independent, not-for-profit, national news service for the people of Wales, by the people of Wales.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
William Glyn THOMAS
William Glyn THOMAS
2 years ago

It makes a change to have “Club Owners” taking such an interest in the club rather than using it as means of enhancing their wealth. The dressing room in Wrecsam will be such a happy place to be in.

Wrexhamian
Wrexhamian
2 years ago

Very appropriate that a Welsh club should play a match in the state with the strongest historical and cultural links with Cymru.

Our Supporters

All information provided to Nation.Cymru will be handled sensitively and within the boundaries of the Data Protection Act 2018.