AFC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon is a semi-professional English football team representing the area of Wimbledon and Merton in London, though they currently play their games in nearby Kingston upon Thames. The Club and the fans see AFC Wimbledon as a direct continuation of Wimbledon F.C., and consider that the MK Dons are no longer representative of the Wimbledon area or the legacy of Wimbledon F.C.

Foundation

The club was founded in 2002 when The Football Association allowed the owners of what was then Wimbledon FC ltd. to relocate to the town of Milton Keynes on the far side of Buckinghamshire. Although the old team was unable to move for more than a year, their traditional local support dried up almost immediately. The Wombles mascot and Wimbledon heraldic badge were denied to them. Finally, in 2004, Wimbledon FC ltd. renamed themselves Milton Keynes Dons, leaving AFC Wimbledon the sole bearer of the 'Wimbledon' name.

Related Topics:
The Football Association - Milton Keynes - Buckinghamshire - The Wombles - Milton Keynes Dons

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All organized supporters' groups that had followed the old club switched allegiance to AFC Wimbledon. AFC Wimbledon drew over 4,600 fans for their first-ever game, a preseason friendly against Sutton United. Supporters of other clubs around the country have generally united in a boycott of Milton Keynes Dons FC (often mocked as "Franchise FC" or "MK Franchise") in a protest against the club's relocation which is perceived as a move totally alien to the traditions of the English game.

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