AFC Wimbledon
English football team.
AFC Wimbledon are a professional football club based in Wimbledon, south-west London, who currently compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club is affectionately known as "The Dons" or "The Wombles," with their nickname derived from the fictional pointy-nosed, furry creatures created by Elisabeth Beresford. AFC Wimbledon's colors are blue and yellow, and they play their home matches at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, also known as Plough Lane, which has a capacity of 9,215 spectators.
Founded in 2002, AFC Wimbledon has a unique and compelling origin story. The club was formed by supporters of the original Wimbledon FC in response to the controversial decision to allow that club to relocate to Milton Keynes. This fan-led initiative aimed to maintain the spirit and legacy of Wimbledon football in its traditional home.
Since their inception, AFC Wimbledon have achieved remarkable success, earning six promotions in thirteen seasons. They began their journey in the Combined Counties League, the ninth tier of English football, and rapidly ascended through the non-league pyramid. The club's most significant achievement came in 2011 when they gained promotion to the Football League, just nine years after their formation.
AFC Wimbledon hold a notable record in English football, having played seventy-eight consecutive league games without defeat between February 2003 and December 2004. This unbeaten run is the longest in English senior football history, showcasing the club's dominance in the lower leagues during their early years.
The club's rise through the divisions has been accompanied by several memorable cup runs. In the FA Cup during the 2012-13 season, AFC Wimbledon reached the third round, where they faced Milton Keynes Dons in a highly charged and emotional encounter. Although they lost the match, it was a significant moment in the club's history, symbolizing their rapid progress and the complex relationship with their controversial predecessors.
AFC Wimbledon's success is not limited to on-field achievements. The club is renowned for its strong community ties and fan ownership model. The Dons Trust, a supporters' organization, owns the majority of the club, ensuring that fans have a significant say in its operations and future direction. This structure has helped maintain a close connection between the club and its supporters, embodying the spirit of fan power in modern football.
AFC Wimbledon's biggest rivalry is with Milton Keynes Dons, the club that emerged from the relocation of the original Wimbledon FC. Matches between the two teams are highly charged affairs, often referred to as the "Dons Derby." The rivalry extends beyond the pitch, representing a clash of footballing philosophies and approaches to club ownership and management.
In recent years, AFC Wimbledon have focused on establishing themselves as a stable League Two club while also working towards a return to their spiritual home. In 2020, the club achieved a significant milestone by moving into the new Plough Lane stadium, built near the site of the original Wimbledon FC's home ground. This homecoming was seen as the culmination of supporters' efforts to bring football back to Wimbledon.