As a fan-owned club, AFC Wimbledon enjoys a unique relationship with all its supporters. We recognise the invaluable contribution made by each and every supporter in the on-going success of the club. We also want Plough Lane to be as welcoming as we can possibly make it for fans - home and away.
As part of this, we have a team of SLOs, all of whom are volunteers. UEFA & SD Europe’s guidance on the role of Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) says:
"SLOs act as a bridge between football clubs and supporters, while providing a two-way flow of information on key issues. They ensure that fans' voices are heard throughout their favourite club."
The SLO team is a vital part of our programme of Fan Engagement, and plays a vital part in ensuring good communication between club and fans. The SLOs are in regular contact with club officials and staff at AFC Wimbledon, communicating feedback from supporters, as well as helping advise the club on decisions that may affect supporters.
Our team work extensively behind the scenes during the week, and on match days, ensuring that issues of importance are raised with the football club, communicating with fans of AFC Wimbledon via the dedicated Twitter account https://twitter.com/AFCWLiaison, via email slo@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk and face-to-face on a matchday. SLOs on duty will be wearing yellow tabards with 'SLO' on the front of them.
The SLO Team publishes important information via Twitter such as matchday guides, away match information and other updates.
Home matches
At AFC Wimbledon home matches, our SLOs are available for queries and assistance for all fans (home and away) and can be identified by their hi-vis SLO tabards. Look for them around the ground. They will be present from an hour before gates open, until the fixture ends.
To ensure the best possible experience for fans visiting Plough Lane, our SLO Team also makes contact with the SLOs of visiting clubs, and will be available to assist or direct fans of those clubs.
Away matches
For away fixtures, at least one of our team will usually be present at the fixture (though not wearing their SLO tabards). The SLO team also contacts the home club SLO as well.
Who makes up the SLO Team?
Tim Hillyer (Home and Away)
Since the incorporation of The Dons Trust and the reformation of AFC Wimbledon in 2002, Tim has been heavily involved.
For the inaugural match at Sutton United, he provided the backboard for the press conference. At Kingsmeadow he worked on the turnstiles, later migrating to merchandise, and even working in the tea bar. Tim’s day job is Finance Director of a charity. Additionally, he has experience as a board member of The Dons Trust. None of this has got in the way of his attendance at Wimbledon matches home and away (with one notable exception). Tim also goes to Under 18s and Women’s matches. Tim is looking forward to developing the role of Supporter Liaison Officer along with a great new team.
Paul Raymond (Home and Away)
Paul has been a Matchday volunteer during every season at AFC Wimbledon and helped out in various roles including in the early days at Kingsmeadow selling Golden Goals and for the last few years at Kingsmeadow working in the Matchday pod at the entrance to the ground, answering queries and helping with collection of matchday tickets. This season Paul has mainly been out the front of the club shop directing supporters who are visiting the stadium for the first time. He is also a member of various working groups for both the club and trust. During the London and Rio Olympics and Paralympics Paul volunteered in back office roles and spectator services roles. Paul is looking forward to helping more visitors and supporters have an enjoyable matchday experience.
Anuk Teasdale (Online)
Anuk has been a Dons season ticket together with her family for many years from the start of AFC Wimbledon to the present day. She has been a volunteer with the Dons working with the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, Wimbledon in Sporting History and Fair Game. She also sits on the Kick It Out/Fans for Diversity Guidance Group. Anuk has always worked towards making the Club a welcoming and positive experience for all fans, and in this role hopes to make the fans' experience the best.
Contacting the SLOs
You can contact the SLOs through their social media and via email:
Twitter: @AFCWLiaison
Email: slo@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk