AFC Wimbledon's community identity was in focus last week as the club hosted a festive business event at Cherry Red Records Stadium. The gathering, held on 3 November, featured vice-captain Alistair Smith and former player Lyle Taylor and was part of a wider Sage and EFL initiative to support local enterprises. This off-field commitment provides a vital counterpoint to the team's current league position of 18th in League One, where they have 13 points from a record of three wins, four draws, and six losses.
Alistair Smith spoke about the club's special bond with its local area. Host Aaron Paul welcomed club figures and representatives from Sage, the Official Accounting Software Partner of the EFL, including Rachel Seymour and Rich Moloney. The event aimed to celebrate the fan-owned club's community-led story and local business contributions ahead of the critical Christmas trading period.
Sage's EFL Christmas initiative
The evening was a local show for Sage's partnership with the EFL, which includes a Secret Santa competition open to fans of all 72 clubs. The competition offers a share of £100,000 to local businesses nominated by supporters, building on similar community celebrations with clubs like Middlesbrough.
Local business recognition
Wimbledon-based business owner Joe Daniels of BLC Forklifts said the event was a welcome chance to have his team's work recognised. He explained the care that goes into maintaining equipment to keep other businesses moving during the festive rush and valued meeting other local owners who share that commitment.
The community spotlight comes as AFC Wimbledon handle a challenging spell on the pitch. The Dons sit 18th in League One with 13 points from 13 games, having won just three times this season. Their recent form shows one draw and four defeats from the last five matches, including a 2-1 loss at Stockport County last weekend where Jayden Stockley scored his sixth goal of the campaign. That defeat was part of a difficult run of results that also includes a 1-2 home loss to Arsenal U21, a 1-1 draw with Wycombe, and heavy defeats to Mansfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday. The team has scored only nine goals all season while conceding 21.
With 16 points separating them from leaders Huddersfield, the immediate focus turns to a key home fixture against 19th-placed Blackpool on Saturday 14 November. Top scorer Jayden Stockley, with his six goals, will be key as the club seeks to end a run of two consecutive losses. The club will hope its deep community ties can provide a foundation as it seeks to climb the standings. The event served as a timely reminder of the club's local role beyond the results.
The report in full is at NW Mail
