An under 12s futsal team in Wales is bursting with gratitude for Hollywood star and all ’round legendary human Ryan Reynolds.
The kids from FC United of Wrexham have posted a video online dressed in brand new, purple kits, thanking the Deadpool star for covering the cost of their uniforms. They’d been hoping to raise £480 through an online appeal but Ryan ended up giving more than triple the amount with a £1,600 donation.
Thank you @VancityReynolds for the new kits. The Under 12’s love them 💜 pic.twitter.com/83Q9Mrs2ji
— FC United of Wrexham 🏴 (@FCUtdofWxm) March 8, 2023
“The support that Ryan has given to FC United of Wrexham Under 12s is fantastic and truly over and beyond,” the team’s founder Andrew Ruscoe tells CelebrityKind.
“It has given these boys a lifeline as their dream is to one day reach the UEFA Champions League in the sport of Futsal. Each year we struggle to find sponsors and keep our outgoings at bay but Ryan’s donation was truly special.”
Speaking of the kids’ reactions to their new kits – which have Deadpool badges sewn onto the sleeve as a tribute to Ryan – Mr Ruscoe says “they couldn’t contain their excitement.”
“Ryan is one remarkable human being and we believe he should be crowned the true Prince of Wales because what he has done for our community and North Wales is incredible. We are forever grateful to him.”
And it seems the under 12s aren’t the only ones who have been gifted with new kits – according to a post shared by Mr Ruscoe on Twitter, a number of teams now don the stylish purple jerseys too:
Well that’s all the #Deadpool kits presented to our teams. All I can say is that everyone absolutely loves them & I can’t thank the True Prince of Wales & future #Wrexham Mayor @VancityReynolds enough for the smiles he has put on the @FCUtdofWxm players faces. The memories that… https://t.co/QT73FddgNF pic.twitter.com/3TatCAYPg5
— Andrew Ruscoe ⚽️ (@AndrewRuscoe) March 9, 2023
Ryan, who co-owns Welsh football club Wrexham FC with fellow actor Rob McElhenney, has also been quietly showing his support for Keegan, one of the under 12s team members who suddenly lost his dad last year. He sent a personal video message to the young player, 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.
“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.”
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
(Feature Image Credit: Lev Radin/Shutterstock; shared with permission, FC United of Wrexham)
