Since returning home, our Foundation has provided sporting opportunities for people of all ages with a ‘huge’ response from the local community.
The Cherry Red Records Stadium has become more than just a venue for first-team fixtures – it has become a community hub for a range of activities.
As well as hosting numerous events for school children, there’s also a Friday morning kickabout for asylum seekers, and ‘Active Ageing’ sessions for over 70s will be hosted in the New Year.
Recent highlights for Foundation events have included:
- 12 local schools taking part in a Football Festival on the main pitch
- The AFC Wimbledon Girls & Foundation tournament with 30 young footballers playing five-a-side and participating in a stadium tour to learn all about our unique history
- Hosting the Wandsworth PE Forum with staff training for 30 teachers
Fiona Sutherland, Community Development Manager at our Foundation, said: “Since returning home, the Foundation are pleased that more and more members of the community are coming to the stadium to take part in our fitness and social sessions. We have seen a huge increase in people reconnecting and connecting for the first time with the club.
“Our aim is to make the stadium a hub of activity for local residents; offering sessions that cater to all ages and interests. From traditional five-a-side football, to chair-based exercise for the elderly, to social sessions for those struggling with isolation or their mental health, we want everyone to feel welcomed, valued and part of the AFC Wimbledon community.”
Football and sporting opportunities are provided throughout the week by our Foundation and these are listed below:
Mondays
Dons Fit Circuits (7.00 pm-8.00 pm (normally for people 50 years and over)
A weekly fitness session for older adults on the five-a-side pitch at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. Begins with a light warm up followed by 30mins of dynamic circuit exercises. The session is rounded off with a friendly kickabout! For more information, see our the Foundation website.
Thursdays
Beginners' Walking Football at the Cherry Red Records Stadium (normally for those 50-plus) from 12 noon until 1.00 pm (followed by tea and coffee social)
New session targeting those 50-plus year that want to play the game they love in a unique new way. It is open to all who want to give walking football a go - the session is inclusive and accessible! More details via this page .
Women’s Recreational Football at our stadium from 7.00 - 8.00 pm (all abilities and fitness welcome!)
Created by demand from St George’s hospital staff as a place to let off some steam after a long day, this session is open to all women who fancy joining in for a fun and friendly game of football.
Fridays
Friday Football (10.00 am-11.00 am)
These sessions provide a safe and supportive space for refugees and asylum seekers living in hotels around Merton to come and play football. Volunteers welcome to join us and make up numbers!
In addition, our Foundation are launching “Active Ageing” in the New Year. The aim is to host a 90 minute session targeting people 70-plus who are inactive, frail, or struggle to get from seated to standing and looking for a social session where they can get moving more.
It will be accessible for wheelchair users and participants are welcome to come with their carers. Refreshments will be provided, as well as social activities such as bingo/quiz. The start date for this is still to be confirmed, but please get in touch with our Foundation if you are interested, or in signing up a friend/family member.
For more info about this, or any of the other activities, e-mail: fiona.sutherland@afcwf.org.uk or visit the Foundation website .