What happens when the dream of Hollywood ownership comes down to one misplaced vowel? For Isthmian North League side Wroxham FC, it’s a tale of “almost fame,” one that has captured the hearts of football fans worldwide. Thanks to their new sponsor, Riot Labs, the Norfolk-based club is telling their story with a side of humor, heart, and hope through a mockumentary series titled Welcome to Wroxham. And what a story it is.
“ONE Letter” Away from Hollywood Fame
Founded in 1892, Wroxham FC has long been confused with their more famous counterparts, Wrexham AFC, the club owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The rise of Wrexham to global prominence—thanks to their celebrity backers and Disney+ documentary—has left Wroxham fans wondering what might have been.
Club Chairman James Blowers explained: "We’ve watched from the subs bench as Wrexham soared up the leagues and achieved global fame thanks to Ryan and Rob. Plenty of people here think, but for ONE letter, it could have been us."
The idea of telling Wroxham’s story has been brewing for years, but it’s only now, with the support of Riot Labs, that the dream has become a reality. The resulting 3-part mockumentary explores the quirks of this community club, featuring beloved characters like 78-year-old Head Groundsman Barry Letten and catering queen Rachel Cole.
Going Viral: From the Pitch to the Screens
The first trailer for Welcome to Wroxham debuted on TikTok and YouTube, amassing over 300,000 views in just days. Comments flooded in, with football fans from around the world chiming in on the vowel confusion.
“What’s 1 vowel and 250 miles between friends? Up the Wr_xhams!”
The buzz didn’t just stop with fans. Meme pages on X (formerly Twitter) picked up the story, sparking friendly rivalries and even anecdotal tales of mistaken identity.
One user shared: "A woman from Norwich once bought a bike from me on eBay and said she was coming from ‘Wrexham.’ Turns out, she meant Wroxham. Up the Wr?xham’s!"
The Heart of the Story: Barry, Rachel, and the Wroxham Community
At the core of Welcome to Wroxham is its colorful cast of characters. Among them is Barry Letten, a dedicated volunteer who has been tending to Wroxham’s grounds for over 20 years. Known for his tireless work ethic and iconic cigar, Barry has become an unlikely star.
"I’m more pitchfork and wheelbarrow than TikTok,” Barry said, “but apparently I’m a social media sensation now. This must be what Ryan Reynolds feels like at Wrexham. Wroxham means the world to me, and it’s nice to see the club getting the recognition it deserves."
“Pre-season friendly: Wrexham vs Wroxham. Make it happen!”
Similarly, Rachel Cole, Wroxham’s catering manager, has spent decades behind the scenes, serving the club’s small but passionate fan base. Reflecting on her newfound fame, Rachel shared:
"I was nervous to feature in the documentary, but the reaction has been so positive. This club has been a part of my family for generations, and it’s exciting to see people taking an interest in our story."
Riot Labs: More Than a Sponsor
For Riot Labs, partnering with Wroxham FC was about more than creating a quirky documentary. As a brand dedicated to helping people quit smoking, Riot Labs saw an opportunity to engage with a grassroots audience while supporting a community cause.
CEO Ben Johnson explained:
"It’s simply a great story that had to be told. Non-league football is a perfect audience for our mission to help people quit smoking, and partnering with Wroxham FC has been an honor. The reaction to the series has been phenomenal, and we hope it not only raises awareness for the club but also helps them attract future sponsors—or even Hollywood owners of their own."
As part of their sponsorship, Riot Labs has declared the Kenny Cooke Stand smokefree for the season, further aligning their quit-smoking message with the club’s values.
The Power of Storytelling
The Wroxham-Riot Labs partnership is a prime example of how storytelling can elevate grassroots organisations. By blending humour, nostalgia, and community spirit, Welcome to Wroxham has not only entertained audiences but also shone a spotlight on the challenges and joys of non-league football.
As Riot Labs continues to champion healthier lifestyles, they’ve found a unique way to connect with football fans—by giving Wroxham a moment in the limelight.
And for the club itself, this viral sensation may just be the boost they need to climb out of the Isthmian North League relegation zone.
What’s Next for Wroxham FC?
With the success of Welcome to Wroxham and the buzz surrounding their Hollywood connection, the club has big plans. Beyond Blowers’ dream of a pre-season friendly with Wrexham, there’s hope that the documentary will lead to increased attendance, sponsorship, and maybe even celebrity involvement.
And for Barry Letten, the newfound fame hasn’t changed his routine: "Fame or not, there’s still a pitch to mow and toilets to clean. But I have to admit, it’s been a laugh seeing all this attention for our little club."
Join the Conversation
The Welcome to Wroxham series is a testament to the power of grassroots football, community spirit, and a good dose of humour. Whether you’re a non-league enthusiast or a Hollywood dreamer, Wroxham’s story is one that resonates far beyond the football pitch.
Catch the latest episodes of Welcome to Wroxham on TikTok and YouTube, and join the discussion online using the hashtag #WelcomeToWroxham. As one fan put it: "Up the Wr?xham’s! One vowel, one dream, one love for football."
