Scottish football club Motherwell FC seeks Hollywood investors in charming campaign

Things are going so well at Wrexham AFC since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny bought the team—one league promotion already, another a good possibility, plus five Emmy Awards for the docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham”—that many other British football clubs are eyeing the Welsh team with envy.

But Scottish side Motherwell FC is taking the extra step of actively appealing for Hollywood A-listers to invest in the club.

A social campaign launched a week ago is anchored by the 90-second spot below, in which Motherwell players and fans make their pitch to celebs—or really, to anyone who might want to buy a stake. Created by agency Leith, the film does a great job of capturing the team’s spirit, positivity and connection to the community.

It’s not just Wrexham that’s enjoyed famous investors. J.J. and Kealia Watt and the Dude Perfect founders are involved with Burnley FC, and Tom Brady last fall took a stake in Birmingham City FC. 

“There’s a lot of talk of famous investors from the U.S. right now. So, we thought it’d be fun to put our own spin on this, to show what we’re all about at Motherwell,” said Jim McMahon, Motherwell FC’s chairman. “Hopefully you can see we’re a club that goes beyond just the 90 minutes. With things like walking football and mental health support, we’ve always helped the local community to make sure the positive effects of football can be felt off the pitch, too.” 

Motherwell has an interesting ownership structure where any fan can take a small stake through the club’s “Well Society” membership program—some 3,700 fans have done so.

“We welcome anyone who wants to support a proper community club, whether that be new additions to the Well Society or new sponsors,” McMahon said. “And if anyone from Hollywood wants to get involved, we’re all ears. Will Ferrell, you know where I am.” (Taylor Swift is the other celeb amusingly name-checked in the film—although what “gies some dosh” means is anyone’s guess!)

The club said it’s gotten 10 inquiries from potential investors since the film rolled out.

“Motherwell FC is more than just about football. The club is the beating heart of the community and exists not only to develop talented young footballers but to improve people’s lives through its Community Trust work,” said Jennie Landels, sponsorship and partnership group account director at Leith.

“When we were tasked with making a campaign to generate new sources of income for the club, the fans, the Well Society and the Community Trust were our first port of call for consultation. This tongue-in-cheek ad has got people talking, and already generated interest from potential investors. Watch this space!”