Reading ace Natasha Harding backs Hollywood stars’ investment in women’s game after Wrexham takeover

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. 

Natasha Harding believes Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham could benefit women’s footballDeadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of Wrexham

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 a 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 Wales international caps, said: “This is so important!!! We have so many hidden gems in places all over and especially in north wales! 

“My early years in the senior (international) team was filled with talented football players from North Wales.” 

Reynolds and McElhenney – who have renamed their Twitter accounts ‘Wryan’ and ‘Wrob’ – are making a £2million investment in Wrexham AFC.

The club, who are seventh in the fifth 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. 

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. 

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Wrexham’s men side are currently seventh in the National League

“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.”

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star McElhenney and co-owner Reynolds are investing £50,000 in women’s football in Wrexham

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