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Wrexham to play Premier League pair on tour

Ollie Palmer of Wrexham and Andrey Santos of Chelsea battle for the ballImage source, Getty Images
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Wrexham also faced Chelsea on last year's summer tour to North America

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Wrexham will play Bournemouth, Chelsea and Vancouver Whitecaps on their summer tour to North America.

The League One new boys, who secured a second successive promotion this season, are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Wrexham will begin in the United States against Bournemouth in Santa Barbara on 20 July, and remain in California to face a second Premier League side in Chelsea four days later in Santa Clara.

The Welsh club will then travel to Canada for the final game of the tour, in Reynolds' home city of Vancouver, against the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Whitecaps.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: "Last year鈥檚 US tour was a fantastic experience and a memorable trip for all the players and staff.

"After another successful campaign, we鈥檙e delighted to be heading to the West Coast again this summer, and we鈥檙e also looking forward to venturing up to Vancouver and spreading the club鈥檚 footprint into Canada.

"It will be a great chance to meet new supporters, while also building for the 2024/25 League One season."

Wrexham toured the US last year, facing sides including Chelsea and Manchester United.

Wrexham enjoy strong American support thanks to their film-star owners Reynolds and McElhenney - who bought the Welsh club in 2021 - and the documentary series 'Welcome to Wrexham'.

鈥淟ast year Rob got to bring Wrexham to Philly [Philadelphia]. This year it鈥檚 my turn,鈥 Reynolds said.

鈥淚 am so excited my hometown club, the Whitecaps, will get to square off against the Red Dragons. My official stance on the match will be a very friendly 鈥榥eutral鈥 even if I will be screaming for a [Wrexham striker] Paul Mullin hat-trick.鈥

Co-chairmen McElhenney and Reynolds have already confirmed that the Wrexham women's team will also tour the United States this summer, with details to be announced at a later date.