PRIESTLEY student Ella Clifton-Stringer helped Wrexham FC’s women’s team secure promotion last month – then met the club’s owner Ryan Reynolds during a celebration on the pitch.
Ella, who is part of Priestley’s Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, played her part in Wrexham being promoted to the Welsh Premier league, playing the final match of the season in front of 9,500 fans.
“The biggest achievement of my whole career so far was playing in front of that many people, it was amazing. The day was pretty insane with Ryan Reynolds watching in a box with Rob,” she said.
Ella, alongside her teammates and Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, lifted the trophy after an unbeaten season with beaming smiles and pure enjoyment that their hard work had paid off.
She said that both Ryan and co-owner Rob McElhenney were ‘lovely guys’ who provide the players with endless support.
The former Helsby High pupil had a tricky start to the season after suffering an injury that left her unable to play. She described her personal achievement to be her comeback from injury and regaining top form.
“My season in general has been a really great season. Winning two trophies, that is what you want to do in football, you want to come out with silver wear at the end of the year,” she said.
Ella is also excelling in her Sport and Exercise Science course at Priestley and has benefitted from being a part of the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, which helps her manage study time around training for Wrexham.
After Priestley she has applied for university but will also consider a contract with Wrexham if she is offered one.
