AFC Wimbledon: Introduction

AFC Wimbledon is a professional football club based in Wimbledon, London, known for its remarkable history and journey through the English football league system. Currently, AFC Wimbledon plays football in English League Two.

The staff here at the Fanbase wish that the team and supporters enjoy much success in the future. So, here’s our comprehensive look at the club:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Foundation and Origins

• Founded: 2002
• Full Name: Association Football Club Wimbledon
• Nickname: “The Dons” and “The Wombles.”

AFC Wimbledon was formed by supporters of the original Wimbledon F.C., which had a storied history dating back to 1889. The creation of AFC Wimbledon was a response to the controversial decision to relocate Wimbledon F.C. to Milton Keynes (56 miles away), where it became MK Dons. Many Wimbledon fans strongly opposed the move, viewing it as a betrayal of the club’s community roots.

AFC Wimbledon is the phoenix club of Wimbledon FC, of course. Indeed, most football supporters wish the club all the luck in the world. Imagine your football club going through all this!

**Just to point out that Wimbledon wasn’t the only British team to relocate like this. Of course, Livingstone FC in Scotland did something similar.

AFC Wimbledon: Early Years (2002–2004)

• AFC Wimbledon started from the bottom of the English football pyramid in the Combined Counties League Premier Division, which is the ninth tier.
• They achieved their first promotion in the 2003–04 season, quickly rising through the leagues thanks to strong support from fans and solid on-pitch performances.

Rapid Rise Through the Leagues (2004–2011)

• AFC Wimbledon’s progress through the leagues was meteoric. Indeed, they achieved five promotions in nine years, reaching the Football League (League Two) in 2011.
• In 2009, they entered the Football Conference (fifth tier), and by 2011, they had won promotion to the Football League after defeating Luton Town in the Conference play-off final on penalties.

Football League Era (2011–Present)

• Promotion to League One: AFC Wimbledon continued their progress, and in 2016, they won promotion to League One (third tier) after defeating Plymouth Argyle in the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
• Rivalry with MK Dons: The rivalry with MK Dons is a unique and emotional aspect of AFC Wimbledon’s story. Fans view MK Dons as the team that replaced the original Wimbledon F.C. The two teams first met in a competitive fixture in 2012, and their encounters have since been intense.

AFC Wimbledon: Stadiums

• Kingsmeadow (2002–2020): AFC Wimbledon initially played their home games at Kingsmeadow. This was a small stadium located in Kingston upon Thames, which was shared with Kingstonian F.C.
• Plough Lane (2020–present): In 2020, the club moved into a newly built stadium at Plough Lane, not far from the site of the original Wimbledon F.C. ground. Of course, this return to Wimbledon marked an emotional homecoming for the club and its fans.

AFC Wimbledon: Club Identity and Values

• Fan Ownership: One of the defining aspects of the club is its fan-owned model. The club is owned and operated by The Dons Trust, a supporters’ group, ensuring that it remains rooted in the community and focused on the values of integrity, transparency, and accessibility.
• Community Focus: The club also has a strong commitment to community outreach and local engagement, organizing various programs and activities aimed at supporting youth football, education, and social causes.
• Rivalry: Of course, rivalry with MK Dons will be a long-term thing. However, they have a degree of rivalry with the following clubs: Crawley Town and Sutton United.

Honours and Achievements

• League Two Play-off Winners: 2016 (Promotion to League One)
• Conference Premier Play-off Winners: 2011 (Promotion to League Two)
• Isthmian League Premier Division Champions: 2008 (Promotion to Conference South)
• Southern League Premier Division Play-off Winners: 2005 (Promotion to Isthmian League)

AFC Wimbledon: Key Players and Managers

• Neal Ardley: Managed AFC Wimbledon from 2012 to 2018, leading the club to some of its most significant successes, including promotion to League One.
• Adebayo Akinfenwa: A fan-favourite striker known for his physicality and larger-than-life personality, played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to League One.

Playing Style

AFC Wimbledon is famous for its hardworking, resilient style of play, emphasizing teamwork and community spirit. Furthermore, this ethos reflects their grassroots origins and the desire to stay true to their identity as a fan-owned, community-focused club.

Recent Developments

• Return to Plough Lane: The opening of the new Plough Lane Stadium in 2020 was a significant moment for the club, symbolizing their return to their spiritual home after years of playing outside Wimbledon.
• League Performance: The club has fluctuated between League One and League Two in recent years, facing tough competition but maintaining a resilient spirit.

Significance in Football

The club is often hailed as one of the greatest success stories in modern football. The club’s rise from non-league football to the English Football League, all while being owned by its fans, is an inspiration for other supporter-led movements.

In summary, AFC Wimbledon is more than just a football club; it’s a symbol of fan power, community spirit, and resilience, representing a unique and inspiring journey in English football.

Promote AFC Wimbledon

The phoenix has risen and now the AFC Wimbledon Promotion party is in full swing! Here at the Football Fan Base, you can also promote your favourite club. So, now is your chance to have one over your rivals.

Therefore, go ahead and promote your favourite team today. If you don’t, the other Dons will, but yours is the best team in the world, isn’t it?

**Information updated on September 8, 2024.