Speaking with under-18s duo Leo Young and Tom Wilson it soon became very noticeable just how much it means to them to be stepping out at Plough Lane again.
Not only do both have strong family ties to the club that have developed over many years, but they’ve also been with our academy from a very early age. Tomorrow night they’re expected to line-up against league rivals Stevenage at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, for an FA Youth Cup second round tie to decide who will host Blackburn Rovers next.
Listen below to the full interview, for insight into our FA Youth Cup preparations with Leo Young and Tom Wilson.
“I actually got scouted for trials at Fulham, but I turned them down at the age of six because I wanted to play for Wimbledon,” said striker Tom.
“My Dad, my whole family, his Dad have all been Wimbledon fans for life really. My Dad was there at the FA Cup final in ’88, he was there when Wimbledon got taken away and he was back when AFC Wimbledon were formed. He took me to a game as early as he possibly could! We’ve been season ticket holders as a family for years – watched all the big games, play-offs, promotions, and relegations.
“There are lots of us who go and watch the first team, particularly after we’ve had a home game for the 18s. Me, Leo, Ollie Downs and Kai Jennings have all had season tickets for years, have always supported the team and wanted to go – we do understand as young players at the club what the history means and how important it is.
“I’ve been here for so many seasons – this is my twelfth season. I’ve watched hundreds of games at Kingsmeadow and probably pushing a hundred games at Plough Lane as well now. I’ve seen so many different players play for us at both grounds over the years – so it’ll mean a lot stepping out with that badge on my chest on Thursday night.
“I’ve been a lifelong Wimbledon fan really, so to be able to play for the club and play at Plough Lane is a dream come true really.”
Giving his all for the Dons earned Leo Young the inaugural Nigel Higgs development award two years ago, when our academy founder recognised the outstanding qualities of the young centre-back for his work both on and off the pitch.
“My Dad’s side of the family are huge Wimbledon fans,” said Leo. “They were always going to games at Kingsmeadow and now go to Plough Lane. It’s just been brilliant being back where the club belongs.
“I’ve also been a season ticket holder for years. It creates a good culture at the club that we also as the eighteens support the first team.
“I first came to the club with the under-8s at Kingsmeadow and back then was working with our now first team coach Rob Tuvey and Joe Roberts, who moved on to Swansea. As soon as I came into that environment, they were so welcoming, and I just really enjoyed it.
“I was there with Ollie Downs initially and towards the latter stages of the under-8s I signed my first contract with Wimbledon, and I’ve loved being here ever since. Tom, Kai, Ollie and our goalkeeper Max Foulkes have all been here at least ten years and some – Tom and Kai - even longer.
“Seeing how the club has progressed over the years, me being a part of it and now playing back at Plough Lane is a landmark in my career and one I’ll look back on with great pride.”