Junior Dons | The Dons Trust
When Roger Dennis stood down as Junior Dons co-ordinator after 16 years in post, the Dons Trust advertised for replacements – and there was no shortage of volunteers for the various roles.
Following the decision by Roger and Linda Dennis to take a well-earned rest from volunteering, the Dons Trust launched a recruitment campaign to find volunteers to take on the support for the JDs. Jane Lonsdale, the Dons Trust board member who oversees the Junior Dons, is delighted to announce and welcome the recruits.
Isa Dabrowska has taken on the role of JDs administrator, and is responsible for the Junior Dons newsletters, birthday and Christmas cards, and the JDs' player of the season voting. "Having been a Wimbledon fan since birth and attended games for many years, I wanted to give something back to the club," says Isa. "The Junior Dons role was a perfect opportunity because the young fans are a key part of the club and are the future of AFC Wimbledon."
Howard Meredith, a season-ticket holder and a Dons Trust member, has taken on the role of coordinating the JDs gifts. "I want to help promote what is unique and special about our club to young supporters so that we see more youngsters out and about wearing Wimbledon shirts," says Howard.
All new JDs receive a gift when they first become a member. There has been a shortage of gifts, but with the help of Retail Manager Mat Haylock we now have a full stock of exclusive Junior Dons gifts: mini-footballs, water bottles and baseball caps.
If a JD has joined the Trust during the last couple of years and a joining gift hasn't already been requested, please contact the Junior Dons by e-mail, including the name of the Junior Don, their membership number, address, a contact e-mail and telephone number, and which gift they would like. The gift will be posted out in the coming months. If a gift has been requested but not received, there is no need to contact us as we are collating all requests.
Patrick Tuggey, supported by Aaron Thakar, will co-ordinate the stadium tours. All Junior Dons (and their parents/guardians) are offered the opportunity to meet the players and go on a stadium tour after a game. Booking is essential, so if a JD would like to meet the players and go on a tour, please e-mail and Patrick will get back to you.
Patrick is a season-ticket holder in the Chemflow Terrace and has recently become a qualified tour guide. "I'm really looking forward to combining my newly acquired tour-guiding skills and helping out the club at the same time," says Patrick. "I'm really excited about working with the new team and continuing the great work that Roger and Linda Dennis have done for the Junior Dons".
Aaron is one of our youngest volunteers, having recently taken his GCSE examinations. He is a season-ticket holder and wanted to get involved in volunteering to learn more about the club. "As well as gaining 'real-world' experience in a fun and family-friendly environment, I want to develop my organisational and communication skills," says Aaron." I'm a passionate fan and I'm excited to be involved in volunteering for the club".
Junior Dons | Sign UP
Junior Dons can join The Dons Trust for an initial fee of £10 and £5 per year thereafter.
For more information regarding Junior Dons membership please visit The Dons Trust wesbite.
The picture above shows (left to right): Howard Meredith, Aaron Thakar, Roger Dennis, Patrick Tuggey and Isa Dabrowska.
The Dons Trust would like to thank all the people who applied for the roles.