EFL League One · League One · London, Greater London, England · Plough Lane
AFC Wimbledon
Born from the ashes of a footballing injustice, AFC Wimbledon's rise from the ninth tier of English football to the Football League stands as one of the greatest supporter-ownership stories in the history of the game.
2002–2011
The Phoenix Rises
From the ninth tier to the Football League
Founded on 30 May 2002, AFC Wimbledon entered the Combined Counties League and immediately began an astonishing climb through non-league football. Five promotions in nine seasons — including a record-breaking run of 78 consecutive league matches unbeaten — saw the fan-owned club reach League Two in 2011, completing one of the most extraordinary ascents in English football history.
Key Facts
- Founded on 30 May 2002 by supporters of the original Wimbledon FC
- Five promotions in nine seasons from the ninth tier to the Football League
- Record-breaking run of 78 consecutive league matches unbeaten
- Reached League Two in 2011 via the Conference play-off final
2011–Present
Football League and the Return Home
League football and Plough Lane
AFC Wimbledon consolidated in League Two before winning promotion to League One in 2016. The club's crowning off-pitch achievement came in November 2020 when they moved into the new Plough Lane stadium, returning to their spiritual home nearly three decades after leaving. Though relegated to League Two in 2022, the Dons bounced back via the play-offs in 2023 and continue to compete in League One under Johnnie Jackson.
Key Facts
- Promoted to League One in 2016 after beating Plymouth Argyle in the League Two play-off final
- Returned to Plough Lane in November 2020 after nearly three decades away
- Bounced back from League Two relegation via the 2023 play-offs
- Remain a fan-owned club governed by the Dons Trust