ACADEMY BROCHURE
2025/2026
THE WIMBLEDON WAY
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At the AFC Wimbledon academy, we believe that football is more than just a game—it’s a journey of growth, determination, and achievement.
This booklet is to highlight the successes and achievements we have experienced, both on and off the pitch.
From young talents who have progressed through the pathway to those who have developed and excelled away from the club, our academy has been a nurturing ground for diverse aspirations.
Each story within these pages reflects our commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
As you explore these success stories, you’ll witness the dedication, resilience, and passion that define our academy.
We invite you to delve into these journeys, celebrate the milestones, and be inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead.
HISTORY
a year after the club was re-founded, with Nigel Higgs assuming responsibility of establishing the set up as Youth and Community Director.
THE AFC WIMBLEDON YOUTH SET UP WAS FOUNDED IN 2003, BETWEEN
before being granted category three status, under the new Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) system for youth development.
Between 2003 and 2011 the youth set up operated at grassroots level, winning multiple honours along the way - the most significant coming in 2010, when the Under-13s age group won the Tesco Cup, having triumphed through the County and Regional rounds of the competition, beating Lytham St Annes YMCA 2–0 in the final.
In 2011 when the club were promoted to the Football League, the academy were promoted to professional status initially operating as a centre of excellence,
Since then the academy has established itself as one of the most productive academies in the country.
2003 AND 2011 THE YOUTH SET UP OPERATED AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL, WINNING MULTIPLE HONOURS ALONG THE WAY
ACADEMYSTRATEGY
VISION
To be nationally recognised as the best development programme across all category 3 academies (for the player on and the person off the pitch)
MISSION
To maximise the potential of all people (player, person, staff)
OBJECTIVE
To achieve sustainable, repeatable success at academy level with a 1st team squad built on a core of home-grown talent.
HOMEGROWN & HUNGRY
To play the Wimbledon way and display the academy values
THE WIMBLEDON WAY
BEHAVIOURS
Constructive challenge, healthy competition and relative communication.
With the ball In transitions Without the ball
We build and create with variation and unpredictability With energy and intelligence. We do one thingwin the ball back as quickly as possible.
SELFMANAGING
Working towards taking full responsibility for one’s development.
ACADEMY VALUES
ATTACHMENT
MEMORIES
Bond with the club with its past, future and purpose.
Creating lifelong experience. We refuse to be outworked on and off the pitch.
ACADEMY MANAGER MICHAEL HAMILTON ACADEMY MANAGER
SINCE 2019
The numbers of becoming a professional footballer are very low, here at the academy we can’t promise a career as a footballer - but we promise opportunity.
Every player who walks through our doors is given the chance to grow, to learn, and to pursue their dreams.
But talent alone isn’t enough. It’s about resilience, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. We invest in character as much as we invest in skill. Because in football, as in life, it’s not just about how you start—it’s about how you finish.
EVERY PLAYER WHO WALKS THROUGH OUR DOORS IS GIVEN THE CHANCE TO GROW, TO LEARN, AND TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS.
SCOTT HARRISON
HEAD OF COACH DEVELOPMENT
BEN EWING
YOUTH PHASE MANAGER (13 - 16S)
SIMON CLARKE UNDER 18S HEAD COACH
SHADE ASHOUR
FOUNDATION PHASE MANAGER ( 9-12S)
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ACADEMYMANAGEMENT TEAM
Academy Manager Michael Hamilton Michael.hamilton@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Academy Administrator Deji Olorukoba-Oseni academy@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Academy Head of Coach Development Scott Harrison Scott.harrison@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Under 18s Head Coach Simon Clark Simon.clark@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Youth Phase Manager
(13 – 16s) Ben Ewing Ben.ewing@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Foundation Phase Manager
(9 – 12s) Shade Ashour Shade.ashour@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Player Care Manager Craig Watkins academyplayercare@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Designated
Safeguarding Officer Kate Shelley Kate.shelley@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Academy Lead
Physiotherapist Sam Eyarhono Sam.Eyarhono@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Under 18 Physical
Performance Ronan Gaye Ronan.gaye@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Under U18 Therapist
Academy Physical
Performance Lead Theo Treadaway-Hoyte Theo. Treadaway-Hoyte@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Head of Academy
Talent ID Ben Fosuhene Ben.fosuhene@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
Head of Education Antonio Falzarano education@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Us!
X: @AFCWACADEMY
AFC_WIMBLEDONACADEMY
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OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE CARE FOR OUR YOUNG PLAYERS,
ensuring that they all feel supported throughout their time at AFC Wimbledon and beyond.
It’s imperative that both players and their families know they have access to a safe space if there are any issues or concerns, they would like to discuss.
To achieve this, we provide a varied programme of life skills, learning and additional support seminars that go beyond the technical and tactical demands of football.
This forms the basis of our player care programme.
CRAIG WATKINS
AFC Wimbledon
E: academyplayercare@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
If you don’t have insurance
Please just phone for an appointment.
LONDON’S POSTURE & FOOT HEALTH CENTRE
Foot care appointments
We cut and file difficult nails, remove corns and callus and treat painful cracked heels. Give your feet a makeover today.
Our Clients say afterwards they feel ‘like walking on air.’
Do you have pain in your feet and just live with it?
Are your toes deformed & do they hurt in every shoe?
Have you considered corrective surgery? It may be less complicated than you think. Foot surgery can be performed under local anesthetic or general anesthetic and you can go home the same day.
Fitter Feet For Life performs all types of foot surgery but the most common examples are:
Bunions (Hallux Valgus): The bump is removed, the bones straightened, your shoes will fit again.
Hammer toes: Delicate tendons are lengthened, bone bumps are removed, & your toes become straighter.
Joints with arthritis: The arthritic joint can be replaced.
Neuromas are trapped nerves causing shooting pains: The neuroma can be removed to cure the pain.
FITTER FEETFOR ALL YOUR FOOT HEALTH PROBLEMS
Within the centre it is possible to have both simple problems and complex disorders diagnosed and treated. The centre has been designed to allow access to several levels of care. You do not need a referral. When you telephone for an appointment our reception staff will advise you which appointment type to arrange.
SAFEGUARDING
AFC WIMBLEDON IS COMMITTED TO THE SAFEGUARDING
and welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm and we require staff, volunteers and others associated with the Club to share and endorse this commitment at all times.
Safeguarding is considered everyone’s responsibility and all staff undertake regular safeguarding and welfare related training to ensure the environments in which they work remain safe.
This includes ensuring best practices are adopted at all times, so that any incident or concern is recognised, responded to, recorded, reported and where necessary, referred on.
Anyone with a concern about a child’s welfare should contact:
KATE SHELLEY
Academy Designated Safeguarding Officer E: kate.shelley@afcwimbledon.ltd.uk
HONOURS& MILESTONES
NATIONAL HONOURS
2019/20: EFL Youth Alliance Cup Winners – Under 18s
2021/22: EFL Youth Alliance South East League Champions – Under 18s
2023/24: EFL Youth Alliance South East League Champions – Under 17s
2023:24: EFL U17 Floodlit Cup Winners – Under 17s
2024/25: Premier League National Champions – Under 12s
MILESTONES / ACHIEVEMENTS
2011/12: Brendan Kiernan becomes the 1st ever youth player to make his debut from the academy, under the AFC Wimbledon.
2015/16: 4th round FA Youth Cup 2-1 victory vs Newcastle United FC.
2016/17: 4th Round FA Youth Cup 4-0 victory vs Hull City FC.
2018: Academy scholar Anthony Hartigan won the League 2 EFL Apprentice of the Year
2021/22: Ranked as the most productive category 3 academy in the country
2023/24: Justin Clarke becomes the clubs youngest ever debutant at 15 years old - Justin graduates to the top class after mock exams! - AFC Wimbledon
THE WIMBLEDONWAY
PLAYER PROFILES GOALKEEPER
KEEPS THE BALL OUT THE NET COMMUNICATES AND ORGANISES (self and team) DISTRIBUTES WITH VARIETY AND DISTANCE
DEFENDER
STOPS GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNICATES AND ORGANISES (self and team)
FULL BACK
EFFECTIVE IN 1v1 SITUATIONS EFFECTS ALL 3RDS
STRONG ACROSS THE PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
STRONG AERIALLY TECHNICALLY EFFICIENT
CENTRE MIDFIELDER
STOPS OR CREATES GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITIES TECHNICALLY EFFICIENT STRONG ACROSS THE PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES EFFECTIVE OUT OF POSSESSION TACTICALLY EFFECTIVE
ATTITUDE FOCUS
ATTACKING MIDFIEDER
CREATES AND SCORES A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITIES
TECHNICALLY EFFICIENT
STRONG ACROSS THE PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
EFFECTIVE OUT OF POSSESSION
WIDE MIDFIELDER
CREATES AND SCORES A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITIES
TECHNICALLY EFFICIENT
STRONG ACROSS THE PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
EFFECTIVE IN 1v1 SITUATIONS
EFFECTIVE OUT OF POSSESSION
CENTRE FORWARD
CONSISTENTLY CREATES AND SCORES GOAL SCORING OPPORTUNITIES
TECHNICALLY AND TACTICALLY EFFECTIVE IN THE FINAL 3RD
STRONG ACROSS THE PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
EFFECTIVE OUT OF POSSESSION
COMMUNICATION WINNING
FOOTBALL LEAGUE
League debuts for the club, since rejoining the Football League in 2011.
Bold = still at the club
DEBUTS
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BRENDAN KIERNAN LEAGUE DEBUT: 24/09/2011. VS BRADFORD CITY FC
Brendan began his youth career at Fulham before moving to Crystal Palace, where he spent a decade in their academy system. After his release, he joined AFC Wimbledon’s Senior Academy at South Thames College, where his performances also earned him a spot on the England Colleges team.
Kiernan made his league debut for AFC Wimbledon in a 3–1 defeat to Crawley Town on 18 March 2011, coming on as a substitute - In doing so he became the 1st ever academy graduate to make a football league appearance since the reformation of AFC Wimbledon.
He made one more appearance that season, starting in a 0–0 draw with Forest Green Rovers.
The following season, after the club’s promotion to the Football League, he debuted in League Two on 24 September 2011 in a 2–1 victory over Bradford City. In January 2012, Kiernan signed a onemonth loan deal with Braintree Town, making four appearances.
He scored his first professional goal for AFC Wimbledon in a 3–1 League Cup defeat to Stevenage on 14 August 2012.
In January 2023, Kiernan signed for Hartlepool United, making six appearances. Later that year, he joined Crystal Palace’s under-21 team in a player-coach capacity, where he continues to influence the next generation of football talent.
HE BECAME THE
1ST EVER
ACADEMY GRADUATE TO MAKE A FOOTBALL LEAGUE APPEARANCE SINCE
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LEAGUE DEBUT: 17/01/2015. VS CARLISLE UNITED FC
Will Nightingale joined AFC Wimbledon’s youth academy at the age of 10, making him a product of the club’s youth system. His commitment and hard work in the academy earned him a place in the first-team squad.
Nightingale made his senior debut for AFC Wimbledon in the 2013-2014 season, at just 19 years old. His debut was in a League Two match against Southend United on March 15, 2014, as part of AFC Wimbledon’s return to the Football League after their rise from non-league.
Will Nightingale’s goal against Bolton Wanderers on August 14, 2021 was the first Wimbledon goal scored in front of the fans at the new Plough Lane stadium.
NIGHTINGALE MADE
HIS SENIOR DEBUT FOR AFC WIMBLEDON IN THE 2013-2014 SEASON, AT JUST 19 YEARS OLD.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have experience, our highly qualified coaches are here to support & guide you.
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TOBY SIBBICK LEAGUE DEBUT:
17/04/2017.
VS PETERBOROUGH UNITED FC
Toby Sibbick’s goal against West Ham United in the FA Cup on January 26, 2019, was a pivotal moment in AFC Wimbledon’s 4-2 victory. The match, held at Kingsmeadow Stadium, saw AFC Wimbledon, then bottom of League One, take a commanding 3-0 lead early in the second half. West Ham responded with goals from Lucas Pérez and Felipe Anderson, narrowing the gap to 3-2. However, in the 88th minute, substitute Sibbick sealed the win by heading in Anthony Wordsworth’s cross.
SUBSTITUTE SIBBICK SEALED THE WIN BY HEADING
IN ANTHONY WORDSWORTH’S CROSS.
JACK RUDONI LEAGUE DEBUT: 14/12/2019. VS DONCASTER ROVERS FC
On the 24th of April 2021 against Doncaster Rovers, Rudoni scored a stunning long-range strike that was both powerful and precise. He picked up the ball just outside the Doncaster penalty area and, with great composure, unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the net. This goal was particularly significant because it was not only a brilliant individual effort but also a key moment in AFC Wimbledon’s battle against relegation in League One that season. It helped secure a 2-0 victory for the club, and the goal received widespread praise for its quality. It showcased Rudoni’s technical ability, his knack for scoring from outside the box, and his importance to the team.
Jack Rudoni’s goal against Doncaster was a highlight of his time at AFC Wimbledon and remains a cherished memory for many fans, encapsulating his talent and the club’s fighting spirit during that season.
JACK RUDONI’S GOAL AGAINST DONCASTER WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF HIS TIME AT AFC WIMBLEDON AND REMAINS A CHERISHED MEMORY
Jack Currie made his debut for AFC Wimbledon on April 24, 2021, in a League One match against Oxford United. The game took place at The Kassam Stadium, and it was a significant milestone for the young defender, marking his first appearance in the professional game for the club.
At the time, AFC Wimbledon was battling relegation in League One, so it was a crucial match for both the team and the individual players. Currie’s debut came as part of a defensive unit that was working hard to secure survival in the league. His performance on the pitch was a testament to his development through the club’s academy, and it showcased his readiness to compete at the senior level.
After his debut, Currie continued to get opportunities in the first team. He made appearances in various League One matches and contributed to the team’s defensive options. His performances showcased his potential, and he gradually became a regular in the team, although he was still working to establish himself as a key player.
JACKCURRIE LEAGUE DEBUT: 30/07/2022. VS GILLINGHAM FC
PERFORMANCES SHOWCASED HIS POTENTIAL, AND HE GRADUALLY BECAME A REGULAR IN THE TEAM
ISAAC OGUNDERE LEAGUE DEBUT: 16/07/2022. VS
MANSFIELD TOWN FC
Isaac Ogundere made his debut for AFC Wimbledon on August 29, 2023, in an EFL Trophy match against AFC Bournemouth U21s. This match, which took place at Plough Lane, was an exciting moment for the young player, as it marked his first appearance for the senior team.
Not only did Ogundere make his debut in this match, but he also scored his first goal for the club during the same game. His goal came in the second half, showcasing his potential as a player.
It was a significant moment for Ogundere, as he made an immediate impact by finding the back of the net and contributing to the team’s success.
This debut and goal were especially noteworthy for a young player, as it gave him a chance to prove himself in a competitive setting and provided AFC Wimbledon fans with a glimpse of the future talent emerging from their youth ranks.
NOT ONLY DID OGUNDERE MAKE HIS DEBUT IN THIS MATCH, BUT HE ALSO SCORED HIS FIRST GOAL FOR THE CLUB DURING THE SAME GAME.
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ARON SASU LEAGUE DEBUT: 12/08/2023.
VS WREXHAM
FC
Sasu scored a stunning solo effort against Haringey Borough on November the 6th 2021, dribbling past multiple defenders before calmly finishing into the net. His strike was celebrated for its individual brilliance, as he demonstrated great composure and technical ability to break down the opposition’s defence.
The goal was important not only for its quality but also for the context of the match. AFC
Wimbledon was heavily favoured to win, and Sasu’s goal played a crucial role in securing their 3-0 victory. It was his moment to shine and showcase his talent, especially on such a big stage like the FA Cup.
While Sasu was still a young player at the time, this goal helped him gain recognition and was a significant moment in his career with AFC Wimbledon so far.
SASU SCORED A STUNNING SOLO EFFORT AGAINST HARINGEY BOROUGH
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SEASON: AGE GROUP: PLAYER:
2024/25: UNDER 12S PREMIER
LEAGUE NATIONAL CUP
WINNERS
AT THE START OF THE 2024/25 SEASON OUR UNDER 12S WERE ONE OF ONLY 5 CATEGORY 3 ACADEMIES TO BE INVITED TO COMPETE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE NATIONAL CUP.
The criteria for the invite was based on our academy performances over the last few seasons, with the competition specifically designed for category 2 clubs, which included Barnsley FC, Birmingham City, Brentford FC, Bristol City Football Club, Burnley Football Club, Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic, Millwall Football Club, Peterborough United Football Club, Queens Park Rangers Football Club, Sheffield United FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC, Swansea City AFC, Watford FC.
We started the competition in a regionalised group, with: Charlton Athletic FC, Millwall FC, Colchester United FC.
A tough group with some of best category 2 clubs in the south, with only 1st place of each of the 7 groups qualifying along with the best runner up across all the groups for the quarter finals it was important to get off to a good start.
We started our campaign with a home tie vs Colchester Utd where we came up victorious 7-4 leaving us sitting top of the group, with the other tie in the group being a draw!
We were the on the road with a tough trip to Charlton Athletic, a game we knew if we were to get a result against, we would have to be at our very best levels. A highly competitive game, end to end action, goal line clearances, goal of season contenders and even a red card late on for Charlton! Final result 5-3 to the Dons!
We head into the final group game away to Millwall FC sitting top of the group on 6 points knowing a draw or win takes us through top, a win for Millwall taking them through on goal difference. A game played like a cup final... but we find ourselves 3-2 down going into the last minute but with the last kick of the game we fire home an equaliser to top the group on 7 points! Scenes! It was like a throwback to Ronan Curtis against the franchise!
We headed into the quarter finals alongside: Burnley FC, Sheffield Utd, Cardiff City, Coventry City FC, Peterborough Utd, Hull City FC, Bristol Rovers FC
We were drawn at home to Peterborough Utd and headed into half time of the quarter final 2-0 down.
A great display of resilience and hard work in the 2nd half saw us scorer 7 goals, with the game finishing 7-3 – into the semi-final.
The Semi-final day, set us up for an exciting game against Bristol Rovers, the highest scoring team in the tournament so far.
Heading into the final moments of the first half which had been a tight encounter we finish off a well worked team goal, 1-0 leading into the second half.
Throughout the second half we defend bravely and manage to keep a clean sheet agonist the highest scoring team to send us through to our first schoolboys age group national cup final - waiting us the winners of Burnley & Coventry City.
The final saw us host Coventry City. It started in high energy, end to end fashion - a proper edge of your seat cup final where we come out victorious 4-1 - for the players, staff and parents… a special day to be a Don!
WE STARTED OUR CAMPAIGN WITH A HOME TIE VS COLCHESTER UTD WHERE WE CAME UP VICTORIOUS 7-4
2023/24: EFL UNDER 17S – LEAGUE AND FLOODLIT CUP DOUBLE WINNERS
The 2023/24 season was a successful for the academy with our Under 17s winning the EFL League and Floodlit Cup double.
2021/22: EFL YOUTH ALLIANCE SOUTH EAST LEAGUE CHAMPIONS –UNDER 18S
With a record of 12 wins, from 18 games, finishing 7 points ahead of nearest rivals Southend, the Under 18s were crowned EFL Youth Alliance South East League Champions for the 2021/22 season.
2020 EFL YOUTH CUP WINNERS
The young Dons side picked up the trophy following a 1-0 victory over Rotherham U18s, with Matt Cox scoring the winner at the New York stadium in a game that was streamed live on YouTube and watched by more than 3,000 fans.
En route to the final, Rob Tuvey’s side has beaten the likes of Portsmouth, Northampton, Southend, Oxford. and Cambridge.
In winning the trophy, the U18s became the first Dons side to pick up silverware since our return to the new Plough Lane.
