Currently competing in the EFL League Two, AFC Wimbledon, a club based in Merton, London, were founded on the 30th May 2002.
Former supporters of Wimbledon who disagreed with the FA’s decision to move the club to Milton Keynes, arguing that it no longer represented the original area, its tradition or legacy, established a new club.
Wimbledon, having completed the move to Milton Keynes in 2003 would later change its name to ‘Milton Keynes Dons’ a year later.
When formed, AFC Wimbledon entered the ninth tier of English football in the Premier Division of the Combined Counties League.
The club has since been promoted six times in 13 seasons moving from the 9th tier to the third tier (League One).
Of note in the club’s accolades, is the current record for the longest unbeaten run of league matches in English Senior Football, having played 78 consecutive league games without a defeat in the time between February 2003 and December 2004.
Similar to this they are the first club formed in the 21st century to make it into the Football League.
The club was initially based at Kingsmeadow, a ground shared with both Kingstonian and Chelsea’s women’s team until 2017.
In November of 2020, the club moved to its new stadium, Plough Lane, only 250 yards from the original Wimbledon club site.
The Dons ground has an initial capacity of 9,215 with the option of expansion for a 20,000 seater.
In early summer of 2002, a decision was made that Wimbledon would relocate north to the town of Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Claims were made that the chairman at the time, Charles Koppel, made the move a necessity in order to prevent the club from going bankrupt.
Following this announcement, it is said that a strong group of ‘Womble’ supporters, led by Kris Stewart, Marc Jones and Trevor Williams, convened in The Fox and Grapes Pub on Wimbledon Common to discuss what should be done as part of the next protest.
It was agreed that the only option was to make a new club, and immediately appeal for funds for creation.
A month later, a new manager, a playing strip and badge were presented to a packed out Wimbledon Community Centre. A trial was held within the fortnight where 230 hopefuls came to try and make the team, from which the opening team was picked.
The Dons Trust remain owners of the club. Johnnie Jackson the manager will hope for higher than a mid table finish going into his next season with AFC Wimbledon in EFL League Two.