EFL Community Weekend
Saturday’s game against Bromley marked AFC Wimbledon’s EFL Community Weekend and we celebrated five heroes who have helped us improve the lives of local people.
They were presented to the crowd on the pitch ahead of kick-off, receiving signed AFC Wimbledon home shirts and EFL Community Hero pennants. They then joined Haydon the Womble and some of our participants in the stands, who had created a banner in our Family Zone to celebrate their achievement.
Last Thursday, four of our heroes were surprised at Plough Lane by Omar Bugiel and Foundation staff, who presented them with their pennants and ‘Community Hero’ shirts, to thank them for the support and dedication.
After some short interviews, there was one more surprise in store for Omar himself, as he was revealed as our fifth and final Community Hero this season.
You can read individual profiles below, or visit our social media to watch the full interviews.
Henry Maltby
Henry joined our Training Ground Programme with the desire to work in the football industry, following his passion for Talent ID. This had proved difficult before joining the programme, but he’s since landed a coaching job with AFC Wimbledon Foundation, as well as a role with AFC Wimbledon Academy’s Player Monitoring Programme.
Nigel Higgs
Nigel was elected to the first Dons Trust Board in 2001 and was responsible for setting up AFC Wimbledon’s Academy and Community Football Scheme, the latter becoming the Foundation
in 2013. Nigel has served on AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s Board of Trustees for 12 years, using his passion for football and community to help local people.
Sheila Dabo Batista
Since joining AFC Wimbledon Foundation as a volunteer in 2023, Sheila has not only returned as a student on Work Experience but has continuously sought opportunities to contribute, grow, and inspire those around her. Sheila’s commitment to coaching and empowering others to express themselves demonstrates her leadership and community spirit, making her an exceptional role model.
Rachele Mandara
Rachele joined one of our PE sessions when she was in primary school and now her whole family are AFC Wimbledon season ticket holders. Since then, Rachele has joined a variety of Foundation programmes, including Football for All, Kicks and our Holiday Courses. Rachele is now also a regular volunteer for AFC Wimbledon Foundation, supporting our Family Zone on a matchday, where her whole family now attend as season ticket holders.
Omar Bugiel
Omar has shown a great passion for the community alongside his responsibilities on the pitch. He has personally recruited his teammates to take part in our Movember campaign for the last two seasons, to champion men’s mental health. He has also supported AFC Wimbledon Foundation at a range of other activities, including Stadium Schools and our Christmas Hospital visits.