International Women’s DAY x AFC WImbledon Foundation
AFC Wimbledon Foundation celebrated International Women’s Day last weekend with two special matchdays at Plough Lane.
On Saturday, AFC Wimbledon Foundation welcomed participants and family members to AFC Wimbledon vs Notts County, which took place on International Women’s Day.
As part of our annual Women at the Game fixture, the majority of the group had never attended an AFC Wimbledon game before.
They enjoyed a tour of Plough Lane, hosted by our EDI Leads, Chloe Turner and Lana Miller, where they met the Men’s First Team and were able to go pitch side.
Omar Bugiel signs a programme for one of our participants.
The group also heard from Commercial Manager Sam Earle and Head of Stadium Security Sam Earle – both offering an insight into matchday operations – before heading to the Family Zone to meet Haydon the Womble!
After watching the Dons defeat Notts County 2-0, Susan Eade said: “What I loved was that there was a very nice family atmosphere. For my first match, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many kids and families. The atmosphere was wonderful with all the fans here to support the team, which was brilliant.”
Set-up by the late Jacqui Forster, the idea of Women at the Game is to provide women with that first experience of a matchday – all in a supportive environment.
Celebrating 50 years of women’s football at wimbledon
On Sunday, Foundation participants joined former players of Wimbledon FC and AFC Wimbledon to join us in a big celebration of 50 years of women’s football at Wimbledon.
The day began with 60 former players, girls’ pathway players and Foundation players arriving with all their friends and family. A lot of laughter and memories were shared, as they prepared themselves to enter the pitch.
At 1.30pm they stepped out onto the Plough Lane pitch to a great reception - with their names read out over the tannoy. After their lap around the pitch, they joined a more than 1,100 strong crowd in supporting the Women’s First Team.
After the game, participants made their way to the 1889 lounge with past and present players, where an exhibition showcased Wimbledon’s Women’s Football history, with videos, photos and memorabilia all around the room.
At AFC Wimbledon Foundation we Champion Sustainable Sports Participation for Women and Girls. To find out more about the programmes we offer, click the button below.