Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney agree deal to rename Wrexham’s ground
Wrexham’s historic Racecourse Ground will become known as the SToK Racecourse under the terms of a new sponsorship deal brokered by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. This is the first time the world’s oldest international football stadium – Wales played their maiden home game there against Scotland on March 5, 1877 – will have a sponsor, with the deal becoming effective on July 1. Wrexham’s Welsh-speaking fans will now know the ground as SToK Cae Ras. SToK Cold Brew Coffee, according to the official Wrexham website, is one of the largest and fastest-growing cold brew coffee brands in the United States but does not sell in the UK. Wrexham co-owners McElhenney and Reynolds announced the stadium’s name change in a light-hearted video where they decide to secretly replace the team’s traditional afternoon tea with SToK Cold Brew Coffee to see if they would notice. A joint statement from McElhenney and Reynolds read: “We wanted a stadium sponsor that captured the vitality and energy of Wrexham while also, like Welsh, being a bit of a learning experience to say. SToK Cold Brew Coffee fit the bill perfectly. “We’re incredibly excited and a little overcaffeinated.” Wrexham say attaching a stadium sponsor name to the Cae Ras/Racecourse was backed by the club’s advisory board, which is made up of supporter representatives. Brittney Polka, vice president of Ready-to-Drink Beverages at Danone North America, said: “Some may wonder why a US-based cold brew brand would sponsor a tea-drinking Welsh football team. “The answer: SToK is all about bold moves. “We were captivated by the story of Wrexham — the team, the fans, and the community — and we’re honoured to be welcomed into the Wrexham family. “We’ll be cheering on the Red Dragons and raising our cold brews from afar.” Wrexham executive director Humphrey Ker said: “We are delighted to welcome SToK to the Wrexham family. “Having secured the support of the club advisory board and understanding that the majority of fans were happy for the stadium to be sponsored, we were delighted to partner with one of the fastest growing cold brew coffee brands in the US, as their ambitions and upward trajectory matches our own.” Last month Wrexham returned to the English Football League after a 15-year absence, having won the Vanarama National League title with a record total of 111 points. SToK will now sponsor Wrexham’s summer American tour, which will include friendlies against Chelsea and Manchester United. Read More I don’t blame English fans for cynicism over US investment – Burnley’s JJ Watt Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney insist they will not get bored at Wrexham Ben Foster set for talks on Wrexham future as retirement decision looms Notts County back in EFL with sub goalkeeper Archie Mair the shoot-out hero Notts County boss Luke Williams looking to end emotional season with Wembley win England can win World Cup despite injury problems – Jill Scott
1970-01-01 08:00
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England can win World Cup despite injury problems – Jill Scott
Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott believes England can overcome the absence of key players to claim World Cup glory this summer. Manager Sarina Wiegman’s preparations for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which begins in July, have been hampered by the loss of some star names to injury. The European champions will be without captain Leah Williamson and midfielder Fran Kirby due to long-term knee problems while another casualty, forward Beth Mead, is rated highly doubtful having been sidelined since November. With two more experienced campaigners in Scott herself and Ellen White having retired since last year’s European success at Wembley, there could be a very different feel to the Lionesses squad. Scott told the PA news agency: “Obviously we’ve had a few injuries. You can’t shy away from the fact that we’re going be missing the captain, a fantastic player. “Her game has reached new heights and she’s going be a really big miss, but it’s an opportunity that presents itself to the younger players. I still think we’ve got a great squad. “You’ve had players like Lauren James step in and she looks like she’s played for England for years. “Being led by Sarina, I still fully believe that we can go out there and win the World Cup. “What she is really good at is focusing on you and the team – focusing on your performance and the team’s performance. “It’s like (you think) the only person that can beat us today is ourselves. I’m sure that will be the same mindset going into this tournament.” Scott was speaking at the launch of ‘The Greater Game’, a new programme by the Football Association to encourage better health and wellbeing among 12-16 year-olds. The initiative aims to harness the power of football to inspire young people and their families to make at least one healthier action each week. Delivered in the form of workshops and with the help of grassroots clubs, it focuses on the four key areas of moving well, eating well, sleeping well and thinking well. The scheme is being piloted in five areas before being rolled out nationally next year. Scott, an ambassador for the programme, said: “This is about getting young people more physically active and looking after the their mental wellbeing as well, using the power of football. I’m a really big believer in it.” Scott is pleased to be able to use her profile for the benefit of others. “I’ve always tried to be a role model,” she said. “I had David Beckham as as my role model growing up and I thought he always had time for people. “To think you might have young girls, young boys, looking up at you when you’re playing in the Euros – I do take that role very seriously. “The next generation is our future, so prevention is better than cure. I always say that, and if we’re going make them feel better now, then it’s only going to benefit society in the future.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mark Robins escapes sack race to guide Coventry to brink of PL promotion dream Marc Skinner bemused at lack of praise for Man Utd as they fight for WSL title Pep Guardiola: Disallowed Haaland ‘goal’ proves Man City success is on own merit
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