CAFC Women vs AFC Wimbledon XI – Preview
Carshalton Athletic host AFC Wimbledon XI in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening at Colston Avenue.
AFC Wimbledon XI
As AFC Wimbledon continues to build on a proud legacy in women’s football, the Under-18s squad enters the 2025/26 season as a vital part of the club’s growing Girls’ Pathway programme. Since the club officially brought the women’s team under its banner in 2003/04, Wimbledon has experienced a journey marked by both setbacks and strong resurgence — culminating in a thriving first team competing in the FA Women’s National League, Division One South East.
The U18s are the final step in the pathway before players transition to senior football, and this season they’ll again be competing in the JPL Warriors League. This development-focused competition prioritises player growth and experience over results. Every player in the squad is guaranteed a minimum of 50% game time, ensuring equal opportunity to learn, develop, and demonstrate their ability in a competitive environment.
With a clear line of progression toward the first team, the U18s will train in a high-performance setting supported by experienced coaches, aiming to produce the next generation of Wimbledon talent. As part of a structure that also includes U12s through to U16s, the U18s are both leaders and role models within the youth system — and a key part of AFC Wimbledon’s long-term vision for women’s football.
This season, expect to see a motivated and technically sharp U18s side, ready to take the next step in their footballing journey — and perhaps, in time, make their mark under the lights at Plough Lane.
Team News
AFC Wimbledon recently held trials across three weeks in May — commencing 12th, 19th, and 26th — as they looked to fill remaining spots in their six girls’ squads for the 2025/26 season, including their newly formed Under 18s team.
As part of their continued investment in the Girls’ Pathway programme, the club also accepted applications from individual coaches and coaching teams to lead the U18s squad. This role was positioned as a key link between the youth setup and the AFC Wimbledon Women’s First Team.
The initiative reflected AFC Wimbledon’s commitment to developing young female talent and creating a clear progression route into senior football. Trialists and coaching applicants were asked to complete a detailed application form as part of the selection process.
Pre-Match Analysis
AFC Wimbledon Women U18s head into this fixture off the back of a strong campaign in the Youth Alliance League, where they finished third with 57 points. Their end-of-season form was impressive, winning four of their last five matches.
Over the season, Wimbledon secured 18 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses, showing consistency and attacking intent throughout. They were particularly potent going forward, scoring 75 goals — the second-highest tally in the league, just behind champions Luton Town.
Defensively, they conceded 43 goals, which placed them just outside the top five in terms of goals against — a solid but still improvable record.
With momentum on their side and one of the most dangerous front lines in the league, Wimbledon will be a tough challenge for any opponent.
The Gaffer (s)
As part of their continued investment in the Girls’ Pathway programme, the club also accepted applications from individual coaches and coaching teams to lead the U18s squad. This role was positioned as a key link between the youth setup and the AFC Wimbledon Women’s First Team.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, 6 August, 2025
Venue: Colston Avenue
Kickoff: 7:45 pm
Admission: Free
