Inclusion awards celebrate a bumper year of achievements
A celebration to champion the achievements of MK Dons FC’s inclusion football squads was held at Stadium MK after a bumper season of growth both on and off the pitch.
More than 100 players, family members, volunteers and support workers attended the event which shined a light on those behind MK Dons Community Trust’s inclusion football programmes and adult physical activity sessions.
Guests each received a medal for their role representing the Dons badge throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and there were opportunities for photographs overlooking the pitch ahead of the start of the Dons’ Sky Bet League One campaign next month.
Awards were also handed out to those who had gone above and beyond this season, with each team selecting a Players’ Player, Most Improved and Manager’s Player of the Year winner.
Georgina Fielden, Inclusion Officer at MK Dons Community Trust, said: “It’s been a breakthrough year for our inclusion football squads and our adult physical activity sessions.
“To have everyone in one place celebrating achievements from both on and off the pitch was a real highlight and a reminder of how far our players and our team’s delivery has come in the last year.
“Inclusion football goes far beyond helping people to develop skills we associate with what’s required during a football match.
“We help participants to build confidence and enhance life skills so they can thrive and be the best version of themselves in all scenarios.
“Hosting our celebration at Stadium MK underscores the club’s commitment to inclusion football and providing memories which helps to achieve all of the above.”
Two youth teams and three adult teams represented the Dons badge this season, with the club returning to play in the BOBI League and partnering with Special Olympics for the first time.
A new Comets squad was also established for players aged 5-11 who require additional support, with sessions allowing participants’ parents or carers to join in too.
The Trust’s adult physical activity sessions meanwhile were launched in September 2025 in partnership with Milton Keynes Council’s MK Admiral Nurses. Two people attended the first session, with the programme now engaging 200 people each week and delivered in seven care homes across the city.
Georgina added: “Seeing participants thrive in environments which sit outside of their comfort zone has been a real highlight this year.
“Our association with the BOBI League and Special Olympics has sparked new friendships and taken skills which are easy to take for granted such as communication and confidence to the next level.
“We’re always on the search for new participants to join our squads, and encourage anyone interested to get in touch now – it’s the perfect time to do so with the new football season just around the corner.”
Anyone interested in joining MK Dons Community Trust’s inclusion football or adult physical activity sessions can email info@mkdonscommunitytrust.com for further information.
Inclusion football sessions are delivered on Sundays at Woughton on the Green’s Community Sports Pavilion between 1.30pm-6pm.
MK Dons Community Trust inclusion football award winners
Youth
Most improved: Mia Spencer; Players Player: Callum Scully; Manager’s Player: Alfie Bloxham.
U16s
Most improved: Noah Spencer; Players Player: Morley-Jack Garwood; Manager’s Player: Leighton Hollyhead.
Adult: Pinks
Most improved: Hannah Lofty; Players Player: Adam Prosser; Manager’s Player: Abdul Ahmed.
Greys
Most improved: Rance Hopgood; Players Player: Craig Baker; Manager’s Player: Jordan Cullinan.
Whites
Most Improved: Curtis Pittam; Players Player: Joseph David-Oyediji; Manager’s Player: Ben Willshire.
