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頁數：1﹣44
小球會、大明星、全球城鎮： 串流平臺下的運動全球在地辯證
Welcome to Wrexham, a Global Town: The Global-Local Dialectics of Sports in the Era of Streaming Platforms
專題論文
作者(中)
陳子軒
作者(英)
Tzu-Hsuan Chen
關鍵詞(中)
小球會大明星、全球在地辯證、串流平臺、運動紀錄片
關鍵詞(英)
Welcome to Wrexham, global-local dialectics, streaming platforms, sport docuseries
中文摘要
威爾斯的Wrexham AFC足球隊從原本默默無聞的球隊，崛起為過去兩年來全球體壇最引人注目的故事之一。本文旨在透過該球會自2020年被演員Ryan Reynolds和Rob McElhenny收購以來的崛起，並藉此探討全球與在地的辯證關係。本文以Hulu和Disney+等全球影音串流平臺播放的紀錄片系列《小球會大明星》（Welcome to Wrexham）的批判論述分析以及實地田野觀察與訪談。本研究發現，儘管運動賽事現場轉播仍為運動文本意義生產的首要標的，但透過全球串流媒體平臺運動紀錄片的再敘事，Wrexham與其足球隊都已不再是在地城鎮或小球會，而被拉升到前所未有的全球規模。在這種情況下，理解運動媒體複合體場域中全球與本地之間的辯證關係尤為關鍵。本文檢視《小球會大明星》透過全球串流平臺播出之後，對於Wrexham當地帶來的衝擊，並從文化親密、集體記憶切入，探討近年來在串流平臺的運動紀錄片，如何成為擾動全球與在地關係的新觸媒。
英文摘要
This essay presents the impact of the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham, focusing on the journey of the Welsh football club Wrexham AFC after being purchased by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The show, which aired during a time when live sports were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, documents the story of the small football club with a rich history, as it strives for success under new ownership. The purchase of Wrexham AFC by the two stars in 2020 for £2 million turned heads in the sports world, marking an unusual acquisition in football history.
The series portrays Wrexham as a town steeped in adversity, highlighting its history as a coal-mining town in Wales. The first episode opens with lively scenes of Wrexham’s town center and images of the historic Racecourse Ground, which was established in 1807 and is the world’s oldest stadium still hosting international matches. The show’s narrative quickly establishes the town as a place that has always fought against the odds. With its coal-mining past and a deep connection to football, Wrexham became the perfect backdrop for a story of hope and revival.
The series blends football, local history, and community struggles into a dramatic narrative, drawing in viewers who might not be familiar with football culture in England or Wales. It offers insights into football’s role in the town’s culture, the community’s deep ties to the club, and broader societal themes. The documentary does not shy away from discussing social issues such as the town’s legacy of coal mining, the infamous Gresford Colliery disaster of 1934, and the socio-economic challenges the town continues to face. At the same time, it showcases the football team’s ups and downs, from heartbreaking losses in the first season to their eventual success in winning the National League and securing promotion to the English Football League Two in the second season.
In addition to football, Welcome to Wrexham delves into topics like Welsh history, language, and culture, introducing them to a global audience. It also touches on progressive themes such as LGBTQIA+ inclusion, mental health, disability advocacy, and gender equality, noting that Wrexham AFC aims to promote more than just football success. These values, woven into the narrative of the series, resonate with global audiences via streaming platforms and emphasize social progress in sports.
A particularly powerful episode from season two, titled “Gresford,” recounts the Gresford Colliery disaster when 266 miners perished. Reynolds and McElhenney, as outsiders to the town, take on the role of narrators of this tragic history, raising questions about their status as cultural insiders. Despite only having owned the club for a few years, their efforts to connect with the town’s heritage reflect their deep involvement with the community.
The purchase of Wrexham AFC and the global attention it brought have had significant economic and social consequences for the town. With a long struggle over issues such as drug abuse and economic decline, Wrexham saw a resurgence in tourism and civic pride as a result of the documentary’s popularity. Fans from around the world now flock to Wrexham to experience the town and the football club first-hand, drawn by the allure of the documentary and the club’s newfound fame. The Turf, a pub next to the stadium featured prominently in the series, has become a pilgrimage site for fans, reflecting the documentary’s cultural influence.
The club’s success has also extended to social media, with Wrexham AFC now more popular online than some Premier League teams. Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s star power, combined with the social media marketing efforts tied to the documentary, have catapulted the club to global recognition. Major sponsors like TikTok and Expedia, companies far beyond the scope of a typical fifth-tier football team, signed deals with Wrexham AFC, further enhancing the club’s commercial profile.
The narrative of the “small club with big dreams” does come with certain caveats. Despite its portrayal as an underdog, Wrexham AFC under its new ownership operates with resources far exceeding those of other clubs at its level. The club has signed high-profile players like Paul Mullin and Ben Foster on wages that are far above the National League average, raising questions about the legitimacy of its underdog image. Nonetheless, the documentary continues to romanticize the club’s journey, resonating with viewers who are drawn to stories of overcoming adversity, even if the reality is more complex than represented in the series.
The docuseries has also sparked discussions about the role of media in reshaping local identities. Wrexham AFC’s rise to fame and the subsequent development of the town’s infrastructure seem to revolve around the narrative created by Welcome to Wrexham. Major redevelopment projects, including the transformation of Wrexham University, have been influenced by the documentary’s success. This media-driven revival has reshaped perceptions of Wrexham, both locally and globally, and sparked renewed interest in Welsh culture and history.
The essay concludes by examining the tensions between the global spotlight and the local reality. While Welcome to Wrexham has brought international fame to the town and its football club, any long-term sustainability of this media-fueled success remains uncertain. The local community is still grappling with socio-economic challenges, and while tourism and investment have increased, the town has yet to fully catch up with the world-class image portrayed in the documentary. Nonetheless, Wrexham AFC’s story continues to captivate a global audience, offering a unique case study of how sports, media, and local identity intersect in the modern world.
The series portrays Wrexham as a town steeped in adversity, highlighting its history as a coal-mining town in Wales. The first episode opens with lively scenes of Wrexham’s town center and images of the historic Racecourse Ground, which was established in 1807 and is the world’s oldest stadium still hosting international matches. The show’s narrative quickly establishes the town as a place that has always fought against the odds. With its coal-mining past and a deep connection to football, Wrexham became the perfect backdrop for a story of hope and revival.
The series blends football, local history, and community struggles into a dramatic narrative, drawing in viewers who might not be familiar with football culture in England or Wales. It offers insights into football’s role in the town’s culture, the community’s deep ties to the club, and broader societal themes. The documentary does not shy away from discussing social issues such as the town’s legacy of coal mining, the infamous Gresford Colliery disaster of 1934, and the socio-economic challenges the town continues to face. At the same time, it showcases the football team’s ups and downs, from heartbreaking losses in the first season to their eventual success in winning the National League and securing promotion to the English Football League Two in the second season.
In addition to football, Welcome to Wrexham delves into topics like Welsh history, language, and culture, introducing them to a global audience. It also touches on progressive themes such as LGBTQIA+ inclusion, mental health, disability advocacy, and gender equality, noting that Wrexham AFC aims to promote more than just football success. These values, woven into the narrative of the series, resonate with global audiences via streaming platforms and emphasize social progress in sports.
A particularly powerful episode from season two, titled “Gresford,” recounts the Gresford Colliery disaster when 266 miners perished. Reynolds and McElhenney, as outsiders to the town, take on the role of narrators of this tragic history, raising questions about their status as cultural insiders. Despite only having owned the club for a few years, their efforts to connect with the town’s heritage reflect their deep involvement with the community.
The purchase of Wrexham AFC and the global attention it brought have had significant economic and social consequences for the town. With a long struggle over issues such as drug abuse and economic decline, Wrexham saw a resurgence in tourism and civic pride as a result of the documentary’s popularity. Fans from around the world now flock to Wrexham to experience the town and the football club first-hand, drawn by the allure of the documentary and the club’s newfound fame. The Turf, a pub next to the stadium featured prominently in the series, has become a pilgrimage site for fans, reflecting the documentary’s cultural influence.
The club’s success has also extended to social media, with Wrexham AFC now more popular online than some Premier League teams. Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s star power, combined with the social media marketing efforts tied to the documentary, have catapulted the club to global recognition. Major sponsors like TikTok and Expedia, companies far beyond the scope of a typical fifth-tier football team, signed deals with Wrexham AFC, further enhancing the club’s commercial profile.
The narrative of the “small club with big dreams” does come with certain caveats. Despite its portrayal as an underdog, Wrexham AFC under its new ownership operates with resources far exceeding those of other clubs at its level. The club has signed high-profile players like Paul Mullin and Ben Foster on wages that are far above the National League average, raising questions about the legitimacy of its underdog image. Nonetheless, the documentary continues to romanticize the club’s journey, resonating with viewers who are drawn to stories of overcoming adversity, even if the reality is more complex than represented in the series.
The docuseries has also sparked discussions about the role of media in reshaping local identities. Wrexham AFC’s rise to fame and the subsequent development of the town’s infrastructure seem to revolve around the narrative created by Welcome to Wrexham. Major redevelopment projects, including the transformation of Wrexham University, have been influenced by the documentary’s success. This media-driven revival has reshaped perceptions of Wrexham, both locally and globally, and sparked renewed interest in Welsh culture and history.
The essay concludes by examining the tensions between the global spotlight and the local reality. While Welcome to Wrexham has brought international fame to the town and its football club, any long-term sustainability of this media-fueled success remains uncertain. The local community is still grappling with socio-economic challenges, and while tourism and investment have increased, the town has yet to fully catch up with the world-class image portrayed in the documentary. Nonetheless, Wrexham AFC’s story continues to captivate a global audience, offering a unique case study of how sports, media, and local identity intersect in the modern world.
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2025/ 春
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