AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon, also known as the Dons, is a professional football club based in Wimbledon, South West London, England. The club was established in 2002 by supporters of Wimbledon FC, following the Football Association's controversial decision to allow the relocation of the club to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. The move was met with widespread disapproval from fans, who felt that their club's identity and history were being erased. As a result, they decided to create a new club, AFC Wimbledon, which would uphold the traditions and spirit of the original Wimbledon FC.

AFC Wimbledon started life in the Combined Counties League, which is several tiers below the Football League. However, the club quickly climbed the football pyramid, achieving five promotions in nine years to reach the Football League in 2011. This rapid rise was unprecedented and marked the club as one of the most successful of the new breed of fan-owned clubs.

The Dons play their home games at Plough Lane, a stadium that was completed in 2020. The move to Plough Lane marked a return to Wimbledon for the club, after spending most of their existence playing in Kingston upon Thames. The stadium has a capacity of 9,300 and is part of a larger development that includes residential apartments, retail spaces, and a squash and fitness club.

AFC Wimbledon's main rivals are Milton Keynes Dons, the club that was formed following the relocation of Wimbledon FC. Matches between the two teams are often heated affairs, with AFC Wimbledon fans refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of Milton Keynes Dons. The rivalry is one of the most intense in English football and is a testament to the passion and dedication of AFC Wimbledon's supporters.

The club's colours are blue and yellow, and their crest features a rampant lion holding a football, a nod to the original Wimbledon FC badge. The team is managed by Mark Robinson, who took over in 2021. Despite the club's relatively short history, it has already had a significant impact on English football. AFC Wimbledon's rise through the leagues has been a shining example of what fan ownership can achieve, and the club's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of football's roots in local communities.

AFC Wimbledon's motto, "We Are Wimbledon", encapsulates the spirit of the club. It is a rallying cry for fans, a statement of intent, and a reminder of the club's origins. It is a testament to the determination of a group of supporters who refused to let their club die, and who have built something truly special in its place. AFC Wimbledon is more than just a football club; it is a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring power of the beautiful game.