AFC Wimbledon visited the town to persuade residents to take part in Sports Week
By Laura Dew
Wimbledon residents got the chance to play against AFC Wimbledon last Thursday as part of Wimbledon Sports Week.
The first team played with children and residents on Wimbledon Station’s forecourt to encourage people to become more involved in sport.
It was part of a full week of events from 25-30 October in the town centre and in the area.
Passers-by seemed keen to join in and many children on half term had a kick about.
Daisy Morris, from Wimbledon , said: “It was really good fun. It’s great to have it by the station where lots of people are coming and going.”
The team was joined by members of Wimbledon Rugby Club and Wimbledon Hockey Club.
Chloe Murray from Wimbledon Rugby Club said: “We’re encouraging people to get involved and actually play sport rather than just watch it.”
Ms Murray was keen to stress that rugby is not just for men.
“Not many people realise we have rugby teams for children and ladies as well as men,” she said.
The events, held during the school half term, were also aimed at helping to bring people together.
Ivor Hellor, Commercial Director of AFC Wimbledon, said: “It’s great – sport is about bring a community together and seeing it progress.”
He also said people should remember that, not only is sport a good way to keep fit, it is a good place to network and meet people.
Playing in team sports boosts strategic thinking, confidence and helps create friendships and team building between people.
These factors can benefit people in the workplace and in the previous week the Business-to-Business Sporting Challenge encouraged businesses to sign up for sports.
Ten local businesses signed up for the five-a-side football matches at Goals in New Malden which was eventually won by Wimbledon company Admiral Scaffolding.
Other events included golf and ten-pin bowling.
The events were organised by Wimbledon Going for Gold and Wimbledon Town Centre Management.