Our Umbro kits have won the hearts of Boca Juniors supporters – and that’s summed up by a recent visit from the UK Ambassador for the Argentinian giants!
The release of our new kits in the summer resulted in admiring glances from South America due to the similarities with Boca’s famous jerseys and it led to Sebastian Dieguez being invited as a special guest for the home match versus Crewe.
And Sebastian was so enamoured by his recent trip here that he sent us a letter expressing his delight with the experience.
We’ve reproduced this in full below.
What a day it was! Attending the AFC Wimbledon game at Plough Lane stadium against Crewe Alexandra was an unforgettable experience, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for this to the AFC Wimbledon board members for the invite.
First things first, the atmosphere at the game was electric. The cheers, chants, and the sea of blue and yellow jerseys created an excitement that was impossible to resist. It was clear that the Dons have some of the most passionate fans around.
What also blew me away was the quality of the new stadium. Plough Lane blends modernity and comfort with tradition. The architecture is stunning, and I really loved coming across so many of the historic pieces when visiting around, including the carved log sculpture at the entrance to the stadium, and the metal gate covered in graffiti that reads "Womble Till I Die!" - a true symbol of the passion that Wimbledon fans feel for this club.
Above all, I was deeply impressed by the rich history of the Dons and the unique identity of the Club. I enjoyed learning about the early days, the glorious times of Wimbledon FC and the recent history of AFC Wimbledon, which is certainly worthy of at least a documentary. I was amazed to hear how the Club was recovered retaining its identity and values. Also, the Dons Trust structure, in which the club is fan-owned, is a paradigm case that deserves admiration. It is a testament to the unity and resilience of the Wimbledon community.
The close relationship between the Club and the community is heartwarming. It's clear that Wimbledon isn't just a football club; it's a vital part of the local area, and that's something special.
That day on the pitch, the Dons displayed some great football, despite the last-minute goal that tied the final score at 2-2. The spirit and skill they showed were commendable.
I want to express my excitement about developing our relationship between Boca Juniors fans and the Dons. Our shared love for the blue and yellow colours binds us together, and I look forward to witnessing more memorable moments together in the future. AFC Wimbledon, you've won a place in my heart, and I can't wait to support you from now on!
Following Sebastian’s visit, plans are in place for Boca fans to visit us for the Crawley home game on 20 January – coinciding with our International Supporters’ Day – so we look forward to welcoming our friends from Argentina again!
Our thanks to John Lynch and WiSH (Wimbledon in Sporting History) for helping to arrange the link with Sebastian and Boca supporters.