Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney recently took part in a podcast to talk about all things football. Matthew Belloni, the host of a popular podcast called The Town with Matthew Belloni, spoke with the actor for about 30 minutes.
Among the issues they discussed, McElhenney stated that he wants the Welsh club to become ‘Team America’.
“One of my intentions is to make Wrexham ‘Team USA’. I don’t know why we couldn’t do that,” said the actor and co-owner of the club. “I know there is great support for a lot of Premier League clubs here in the US, but a lot of people have second teams anyway. Why not join the Wrexham America team?
McElhenney claimed that this could be possible due to a connection to the royal city. “I think a lot of Americans can identify with the people of Wrexham,” she continued. “This is a working-class town that has seen better days. And they love what they love.”
The actor wants more than Wrexham to be the USA team
Also, the two discussed the reasons why the sport was not as popular here in the United States. Both agreed that Americans are taught to enjoy stress relief during games. Commercial breaks fill other sports here. The actor answered the question of how to make it more popular on American television.
“Well, number one, we just need to be better,” McElhenney proclaimed. “I mean, imagine Tyreek Hill playing full-back. Imagine Lebron James in goal. There is no one that can stop the US from putting our best athletes in those programs. And maybe that will happen more and more.”
“I mean, I wonder what will happen to the next generations of football as more and more data comes out about concussions and head injuries,” the actor continued. And how many parents will be less willing to put their kids into that particular sport.”
Duo have been hugely successful since they bought the club
McElhenney and fellow actor Ryan Reynolds completed the purchase of Wrexham in February 2021. In his first season, the club finished second in the standings, but ultimately lost a playoff semi-final clash with Grimsby Town. The Welsh club are also currently second in the league table.
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
