WISA - A Brief History

WISA as the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association has become known was formed in 1995 by five mad-keen Wimbledon supporters, namely, Steve Elson, Marc Jones, Laurence Lowne, Xavier Wiggins and Lee Willett and looked to meet a need in creating dialogue between the club and supporters.

The Wimbledon FC Official Supporters Club had taken a rather negative role over the previous years in trying to find a way back to our own stadium and had run out of steam and ideas. A fresh approach was required, one that was not tied to the Wimbledon Football Club, a truly independent voice, one that could ruffle feathers if need be, but at the same time smooth troubled waters.

WISA came to the fore during the Dublin fiasco, but had already run several high profile events previously including an ad-van on the first of the Championship at Wimbledon tennis when the new Number One Court was opened. It went down very well with the Wimbledon Football Club and certainly brought to the Council's attention that a serious lobbying group was now in place.

Over the years our membership has grown and matured and as more pressure was placed on the founding group to perform we realised that there were just too few of us to carry the workload.

In the year 2000, we decided to take the plunge and go for official status by creating a Constitution and structured Committee for the next century.

Our AGM in October 2000 year saw that Committee elected and the Constitution ratified. Now with 21 members of the Committee plus a number of other people on sub-committees we have a highly effective vehicle whose views are sought on a regular basis. We attend meetings and co-ordinate activities for and on behalf of supporters - from the lowest of levels (meeting with Charles Koppel) to the highest possible echelon (regulatory groups and government).

WISA members were united in their opposition to the proposed move of the club to Milton Keynes, and mounted a campaign to oppose this. By lobbying Wimbledon Football Club, the respective authorities, the media, and the government; WISA quickly earned a name for itself as an organised group of supporters respected throughout the footballing community. Wimbledon supporters, including WISA, then created The Dons Trust, a government backed initiative intended to give supporters of football clubs greater involvement in their club.

In May 2002, the Football Association Commission on the proposed move of Wimbledon Football Club to Milton Keynes gave permission for the majority shareholders to relocate, against the wishes of the supporters. Wimbledon supporters set about creating a replacement, a football club which would continue the history and identity of OUR club. Through the hard work and determination of WISA and The Dons Trust, AFC Wimbledon was born, and will continue to live the dream of football in our local community.

WISA has a vital role to play just as long as the supporters want us to. Our desire to return home is undiminished and our flame burns bright.

WISA has a highly active website, both containing information about WISA and also a medium for open dialogue. The site is regularly monitored by the British Government, Merton Council, AFC Wimbledon Football Club, The Dons Trust, the Media and football suporters around the world - whatever their affiliation. We welcome the free speech that this offers supporters of our great club.

Of course, if you support another club, WISA extends the hand of friendship, and hopes that all is well with your club in these difficult times. If not, make sure you tell us - our fight is not just about Wimbledon - but the hopes and dreams of every true footballer supporter.