In a story that embodies the charm and ambition of English football’s lower tiers, Wroxham FC, a modest non-league club based in Norfolk, has made a clever attempt to grab the attention of Wrexham co-owner and Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds. By releasing a lighthearted three-part documentary titled Welcome to Wroxham, the club draws playful comparisons to Reynolds’ famous Welsh club and their rise to stardom, despite the substantial differences in the clubs’ fortunes.
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Wroxham, nicknamed “The Yachtsmen,” currently stands one place above the bottom of the Isthmian North League, five divisions below Wrexham AFC. Yet, with their recent documentary trailer going viral, Wroxham’s clever marketing has led to a wave of online support, prompting over 300,000 views on social media. The club hopes this attention might pique the interest of Reynolds and fellow Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney, who turned the story of their own club into a sensation with the Welcome to Wrexham series on Disney+.
A Tale of Two Clubs: Wrexham and Wroxham
The difference between Wrexham and Wroxham FC might be just one letter, but it’s an entirely different story on the pitch. While Wrexham currently competes for promotion in League One, Wroxham sits five divisions lower, striving to avoid relegation. Nevertheless, the Yachtsmen share the same indomitable spirit that has characterized Wrexham’s rise, as well as a commitment to community-centered football.
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James Blower, chairman of Wroxham FC, acknowledged the parallels and humorously suggested that the club’s near-namesake had its trajectory altered by a mere letter. “There’s plenty of people around this great little club that think, but for one letter, it could have been us,” he quipped. Blower revealed that the documentary’s goal is to showcase Wroxham’s story, hoping it might catch the attention of Reynolds and McElhenney.
Beyond its playful tone, Welcome to Wroxham reflects the charm of non-league football, where communities are united through local passion and volunteer dedication. Blower noted the immense pride surrounding the documentary, which serves as a testament to the club’s history, challenges, and aspirations. “Our dream is for Ryan and Rob to spot our own special story and maybe set up a pre-season grudge match,” Blower added, suggesting a “Vowel Derby” as a friendly showdown between the two clubs.
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The Making of ‘Welcome to Wroxham’
The release of Welcome to Wroxham marks a significant milestone for the club, made possible by a sponsorship from Riot Labs, a vape liquid company. The documentary, filmed with a lighthearted tone, features scenes that humorously nod to the Wrexham-Wroxham connection. In one clip, a confused Wrexham fan asks, “Where is Wroxham?” A playful reference to Reynolds’ character Deadpool also appears in the form of “Dadpool,” adding to the documentary’s charm.
In an audacious move, Wroxham placed promotional materials for the documentary outside Welcome to Wrexham filming locations, including The Turf pub near Wrexham’s stadium. These guerrilla marketing tactics have garnered the Norfolk club further attention, bringing their story into the limelight in a way few non-league clubs have experienced.
Meet Barry Letten: The Heart of Wroxham FC
One of the documentary’s breakout stars is Barry Letten, Wroxham’s 78-year-old head groundsman. Letten, who has devoted over two decades to tending to Wroxham’s pitch, cleaning the club’s facilities, and supporting the team in any way needed, quickly became a fan favorite following the trailer’s release. Since the trailer went viral, Letten has experienced a taste of stardom, with fans at the clubhouse requesting photos and jokingly comparing him to a social media influencer.
Reflecting on the newfound attention, Letten expressed his surprise at becoming a social media sensation. “I’m more pitchfork and wheelbarrow than TikTok star, but this must be what Ryan Reynolds feels like when he turns up at Wrexham,” he said, highlighting the unique and charming nature of non-league football. His commitment to Wroxham FC embodies the spirit of the club, a place where community, passion, and loyalty are the backbone of the organization.
Aiming for Hollywood Attention
Blower and his team hope that the documentary will not only entertain but also attract potential sponsors and perhaps even Hollywood investment. Riot Labs CEO Ben Johnson, whose sponsorship made the documentary possible, expressed pride in supporting Wroxham FC. “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,” he said. Johnson hopes the series will encourage future sponsorships and help the club grow.
While Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground regularly sells out with more than 13,000 fans in attendance, Wroxham’s Trafford Park sees an average of 150 spectators. Yet, the smaller crowd does nothing to diminish the pride and ambition driving Wroxham. The contrast in audience size and resources underscores the challenges faced by smaller clubs, making Wroxham’s bold bid for recognition all the more compelling.
The Documentary’s Potential Impact on Wroxham’s Future
With the first episode of Welcome to Wroxham set to premiere on the club’s YouTube channel on November 17, the release is eagerly anticipated by both local supporters and online viewers intrigued by the documentary’s witty approach. Wroxham hopes that this initiative will raise awareness of its story, attract financial support, and potentially open the door for greater opportunities within the world of English football.
The release of Welcome to Wroxham not only spotlights the passion driving the club but also highlights the humor and resilience that are often hallmarks of non-league football. Through their documentary, Wroxham is making a spirited plea for recognition, not by demanding attention but by inviting viewers to appreciate the club’s journey and aspirations.
Blower’s invitation for a friendly match, humorously dubbed the “Vowel Derby,” captures the fun and friendly rivalry that could bridge the gap between Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed journey and Wroxham’s grassroots spirit. With the documentary gaining traction, fans and supporters alike are left wondering: Will Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney respond to Wroxham’s call?
Whether or not the Hollywood stars engage with Wroxham’s story, Welcome to Wroxham remains a tribute to the dedicated fans, volunteers, and players who have sustained the club. In an era when football’s biggest stories often center on wealth and celebrity, Wroxham FC’s documentary offers a refreshing reminder of the sport’s community roots and the joy of playing and supporting the game at any level.
As the trailer continues to gain traction, Wroxham FC has already achieved a victory of its own: capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide and shining a light on the unique culture and camaraderie that define non-league football in England. And perhaps, with a touch of Hollywood luck, the Yachtsmen’s dream of a “celebrity investment” could bring their story full circle – from an ambitious local team to a club recognized on the global stage.
