AFC Wimbledon first-team players will parade the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Trophy in Wimbledon town centre on Sunday, before taking to the catwalk for something completely different.
An open-top bus parade will be followed by the new kit launch with first-teamers, academy players, and AFC Wimbledon Ladies and Girls taking to the catwalk.AFC Wimbledon’s management and players on board will parade their silverware through Wimbledon Village and the town centre to celebrate with supporters. The bus will then stop at the Piazza so that the club can address fans and thank them for their support.
The Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser, as first citizen of the borough, will be accompanied by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, on the bus to congratulate the team for their fantastic achievement and thank them for being the ‘Pride of Merton’.
Wimbledon first-team manager Neal Ardley believes it will set his squad up nicely before pre-season training gets underway a day later and he can’t wait to celebrate with supporters.
“It will be a great way to start the following season,” said Neal. “It was all a bit rushed at the end of last season. We had a great day and the players spent some time back at the club with supporters after the game, but before you know it you are off on your holidays and it all gets a bit forgotten.
“To come and celebrate the success with our fans in the heart of Wimbledon will be great. It will put smiles on the faces of our players and set them up nicely before the hard work starts in the coming weeks.”
AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive, Erik Samuelson said: “It has been a whirlwind since we won promotion. The players worked incredibly hard last season and took a short break immediately after the promotion game, so they’re fit and ready before next season kicks off.
“This will be the first opportunity for the club and the players to come together since promotion and say a massive thank you to all the fans for their overwhelming support and to proudly show off our new trophy.”
Following the parade, the new Admiral home and away kits will be launched, along with goalkeeper and training kits, at the Centre Court Shopping Centre.