Ryan Reynolds has helped a children’s futsal team in Wales cover the cost of their new kits – and as you can imagine, the boys are pretty stoked about it!
The Hollywood star and co-owner of Welsh football club Wrexham FC recently made a £1,600 donation to a GoFundMe page started by Kayleigh Barton, the mum of a young player at FC United of Wrexham futsal team. On the fundraising page, she explains that the under 12s had a new kit designed and asks if anyone can help contribute: “these boys deserve it as they work so hard!”
Ryan made two donations to the fundraiser, starting with £600 then adding another £1,000, as confirmed by GoFundMe.
Ms Barton tells BBC Wales her son Keegan and his team mates are “ecstatic” they’ll be getting new uniforms.
“I was nearly in tears. I know how much that money means to the club and the lads. Happy is an understatement.”
The club also shared a statement saying they would show their gratitude by adding “the Deadpool logo to the arms of our bespoke Under 12s futsal kit.”
As a mark of appreciation to @VancityReynolds for his kind donation to our kit supplier @BLKRATGiraffe has suggested & will add the Deadpool logo to the arms of our bespoke Under 12’s #futsal kit. The lads are going to love them😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/N08NAvImkM
— FC United of Wrexham 🏴 (@FCUtdofWxm) January 22, 2023
And the kindness didn’t end there.
After Ryan learned that Keegen had suddenly lost his dad, 37-year-old footballer Adam Bradshaw, last year, he sent a personal video message to him, which the club shared with Keegan’s permission online:
“Let me tell you something. I know you’re going through s***,” Ryan begins his video.
This is pure class from the legend himself & @BartonKeegen of our U12’s was that excited he wanted his personal message shared with the world. Himself, his mum & everyone on behalf of @FCUtdofWxm would like to thank everyone for their amazing support & kindness. Thank you 🙌❤️ pic.twitter.com/UFqbBlZgLF
— FC United of Wrexham 🏴 (@FCUtdofWxm) January 23, 2023
“There’s no other way to say it. I heard a little about your story and I just want to say that I’m really inspired by you, pal. I’m super excited by everything that’s been happening in Wrexham, and particularly with your team. I’m really inspired by all of the amazing things that you guys are doing over there. I can’t wait to see you in the new uniform and I can’t wait to meet you in person one of these days, Keegen. Sending you lots of love from New York.”
Keegen responded with his own thank you video. As did his teammates:
Our under 12’s #futsal have a message for @VancityReynolds . Thank you Ryan 🥰⚽️ #Wrexham pic.twitter.com/sx84Jdm3Wh
— FC United of Wrexham 🏴 (@FCUtdofWxm) January 20, 2023
Meanwhile, Ryan’s own club Wrexham FC are killing it! They are now top of the national league and according to ESPN FC, they’ll be promoted to EFL League Two, moving them from the fifth to the fourth tier of English football.
Did someone say Ted Lasso?
(Feature Image Credit: Lev Radin/Shutterstock)
