In a heartwarming display of dedication and fandom, Jim Gregson, a die-hard Wrexham AFC supporter, embarked on a remarkable journey of approximately 250 miles to watch his club’s near-namesake, Wroxham FC, in action. This trip, blending passion with humor, highlights the growing bond between these two clubs—one steeped in newfound fame and the other enjoying its moment in the spotlight.
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A Journey of Dedication
Jim Gregson, a 55-year-old lifelong follower of Wrexham AFC, normally spends his time cheering for the Red Dragons. However, on a chilly night last Tuesday (November 19th), he set off on a four-and-a-half-hour drive to watch Wroxham FC, a Norfolk-based team currently playing in the Isthmian North League. His journey wasn’t just about watching a game; it was a tribute to Wroxham’s viral rise and a humorous nod to their recently launched documentary, “Welcome to Wroxham.”
The Viral Appeal of Wroxham FC
Wroxham FC, affectionately known as the Yachtsmen, recently found itself in the limelight thanks to a clever marketing move inspired by Wrexham AFC’s successful documentary. The Yachtsmen’s own documentary has humorously captured their efforts to attract attention, leveraging the near-identical name to Wrexham AFC— the club taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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Jim, captivated by Wroxham’s story, used a business trip as an opportunity to support the club. He attended their match against Felixstowe and Walton United, enduring freezing conditions with an unwavering spirit. To his delight, he witnessed a thrilling 2-2 draw while proudly wearing his Wrexham shirt. In appreciation of his support, Wroxham officials gifted Jim a scarf, symbolizing the newly-formed connection between the two clubs.
A Heartfelt Night at Wroxham
Jim’s visit to the Wroxham clubhouse bar was nothing short of memorable. He mingled with locals, buying rounds and sharing stories, which left the community stunned and appreciative. In a Facebook post after the game, Jim expressed his admiration for the club: “Only here for Wroxham FC – The Yachtsmen! The ultras didn’t stop singing, the club chairman was brilliant, and the locals made me feel right at home. What a night!”
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This heartfelt gesture was not just about the game but about celebrating the spirit of football and the camaraderie it fosters. Despite the significant gap between the clubs, with Wrexham currently second in League One and Wroxham languishing in the relegation zone five divisions below, Jim’s visit underscored the unity and passion that football can inspire.
An Appeal to Ryan Reynolds
Jim’s experience at Wroxham FC culminated in a playful yet sincere appeal to one of Wrexham AFC’s A-list owners. “Ryan Reynolds, if you’re reading this, the Yachtsmen are waiting – and they’ve got scarves ready for you. Up the Wroxhams and Wrexhams!” he stated. This message highlights the endearing and often humorous parallels drawn between the two clubs, fueled by the mere difference of a single letter in their names.
The Hollywood Mix-Up
Wroxham FC’s chairman, James Blowers, shared that the similarity in names has led to multiple mix-ups over the years, especially since Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC. “We’ve had hundreds of people confuse us with Wrexham ever since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over. Watching their rise has been incredible, but there’s always this feeling of: ‘If only we had that one letter.’ We think Ryan and Rob would love this wholesome story,” Blowers said.
The club has cleverly capitalized on this confusion. Adverts for the “Welcome to Wroxham” documentary have been strategically placed outside locations made famous by “Welcome to Wrexham,” including The Turf pub, further blurring the lines in a playful nod to their connection.
The Documentary and Its Impact
The trailer for Wroxham’s documentary has garnered more than 330,000 views on social media, capturing the attention of football fans and media alike. This surge in popularity has sparked calls for a friendly match between Wrexham and Wroxham, humorously dubbed the “vowel derby.” Such an event would be a celebration of both clubs’ unique journeys and the broader appeal of football’s grassroots stories.
The documentary, funded by Riot Labs, a company specializing in vape liquids, has provided Wroxham with a significant platform. Ben Johnson, the CEO of Riot Labs, expressed his pride in supporting the club: “To be able to support the club and give them the platform and investment to share their unique story is an honor, and the reaction has been brilliant. We hope it helps them attract future sponsors and maybe even Hollywood owners of their own.”
Looking Forward: A Potential Future Collaboration
As Wroxham FC basks in its moment of fame, the potential for future collaborations or friendly matches with Wrexham AFC remains an exciting possibility. Jim’s visit has not only highlighted the bond between fans but also the potential for smaller clubs to gain recognition through creative and heartfelt storytelling.
For now, Wroxham FC continues to ride the wave of its viral success, with hopes of attracting more fans and possibly even the attention of Hollywood’s finest. Whether or not Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney decide to take a detour to Wroxham, the club’s story is a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of football.
Jim Gregson’s journey to Wroxham FC is a heartwarming example of how football can bring people together, transcending distances and divisions. His support for the Yachtsmen, inspired by their unique story and clever marketing, highlights the enduring appeal of the beautiful game. As Wroxham FC enjoys its newfound fame, the connection between Wrexham and Wroxham serves as a reminder that football is more than just a sport; it’s a community and a shared passion that unites us all.
