Philadelphia Union are one of the final four in the semi-final stage of Leagues Cup 2023, and will be facing the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami CF . The match will be played at their home ground, Subaru Park, where fans will try to influence the game from the stands. It's quite possible that actor Rob McElhenney will be present, showcasing the blend of Hollywood, passion for soccer, and business in this story.
McElhenney steps onto the field wearing a Philadelphia Union jersey with the number 14 and his name on the back, accompanied by a club scarf. He does so just moments before an official match starts at a stadium in Los Angeles. While he might seem like any other fan, to a certain extent, he is not.
From Monday to Friday, he's on set filming movies and on weekends, he puts on his fan attire. This video, posted by the club in November 2022, highlights his fandom:
His love for the club is evident to the residents of Philadelphia, and he demonstrates his passion for soccer every day. But there's a lesser-known aspect of Rob McElhenney: he joined forces with actor Ryan Reynolds to transition from Hollywood blockbusters to sports business. The two actors and partners purchased a then fifth-division football team based in Wales.
Reynolds and McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC and led them to promotion to League Two, three tiers below the Premier League. The actors pledged to invest in the club's infrastructure, which had been owned by a supporters' trust since 2011.
The ownership transfer was approved after a vote among all the supporters. 98% of the voters agreed that the founders of RR McReynolds Company should take full ownership of the club, founded in 1864, making it the oldest in Wales and the third-oldest in the world. Additionally, after Cardiff and Swansea, it's one of the most popular clubs in the country.
Beyond improving facilities and providing the financial support needed for better on-field performance, the actors created a documentary series recounting the club's history and their efforts at steering the club to a brighter future.
"These are two very successful people who have done great things on screen and some great things off-screen," said Spencer Harris, the club's director, who doesn't believe focusing on such a production will diminish their performance on the field.
"They're really interested in taking something with real potential, which this club has, investing in it, shaping it, and seeing it grow. That journey is their ultimate motivation, and part of what they want to do is document that journey as they go along. But I think it's more than just that journey," he added.
Rob McElhenney will still be focussed on his club while enjoying the current journey of Philadelphia Union in Leagues Cup 2023, facing Lionel Messi's team this Tuesday. Undoubtedly, it will be a match no soccer fan wants to miss, and the filmmaker will be no exception.
