Our latest members' story catches up with Hawaii-based Wrexham AFC supporter, Eric Dillman, on how the forthcoming Welcome to Wrexham documentary inspired him to start supporting the Red Dragons.
Firstly Eric, it’s great to hear about your support for the team, all the way from Hawaii! How did you first become interested in Wrexham?
We first learned of the team due to the pending documentary coming about. We started to read about the team, and miss that hometown local feel of a community tied with a sports team. We are a military family that moves around, so we try to tie in where we can.
What was it that inspired you to take up official membership for the 2022/23 season?
My son, Logan (pictured), just turned 2, and I am looking for some things that I can provide him that are unique, that will expand his mind and opportunities, and see more of the cool things in the world! So I purchased him a Junior Membership in hopes that he will grow up a life-long fan! You are currently speaking to his dad, of course, but it won’t be long until he takes over the account! He actually starts a 1-2 year old soccer/football group next month!
How do you stay up-to-date with everything that’s happening here in North Wales, and what’s it been like to follow the team from afar?
We just started audio streaming the games over the website since we can’t seem to find a way to ‘watch’ them. So, we are only 2 games in, but the 5-0 game [against Maidstone] was quite the exciting match to listen to! We are also quite the time difference here, so when they are on at 4am here, I am listening while still in a haze!
Is the dream to get over to Wrexham to see a match in person one day?
A HUGE dream. My wife and I have already started discussing the areas we would like to visit when we get the chance to hop over to that area of the world, and it will be based around a home game!
Do you know of any other Hawaiian Wrexham fans?
I do not, but with the documentary coming out soon, surely it will expand!
Speaking of Welcome to Wrexham, how much are you looking forward to the launch this week?
Very much! I am actually sad it will take 3 week to get all released, but we have our Hulu subscription on and we are ready for Wednesday!
Finally, would you recommend membership to others, as a way of getting closer to the Club?
Absolutely! I have already showed my colleagues at work, and I think maybe some are interested in doing the same.