Steve Mundie wins MK Dons Disability Player of the Year

A football enthusiast received the surprise of his life when he was announced as Player of the Year at MK Dons FC’s end of season awards.

Steve Mundie scooped the MK Dons Disability Player of the Year award in recognition of his commitment, attitude and positive influence on his teammates through the 2025-26 season.

The striker has been a key player for MK Dons Community Trust’s inclusion squad and has represented the Dons badge in the BOBi League - Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Inclusive League – and at the Special Olympics this year.

Since its launch in 2000, the Trust’s inclusion team has provided playing and training opportunities to those who cannot access mainstream club delivery like Steve, who has learning disabilities and autism.  

Steve’s award was kept under wraps before it was announced. And the goalscorer was thrilled to be recognised for his work on and off the pitch.

“It came as a big surprise to me,” said Steve.

“I’m very pleased and proud of what I have achieved.

“To be recognised in this way is wonderful but it reflects not just my own effort, but also the effort of my teammates, who without their support I could not have won this award.

“Inclusion football has had a really positive impact on me, scoring a lot of goals obviously helps, but it has kept me energised, fitter and healthier and I have seen that in my teammates too.

“Without the work and support of MK Dons Community Trust, there would be no team and a lack of opportunities to get involved and play the game that I love.

“I have reaped the benefits of being involved for many years now, not just physically but also mentally and socially. It has helped me make friends, feel part of a team and build my communication and teamwork skills.”

Steve was one of 17 players MK Dons Community Trust took to participate in a six-team tournament organised by Special Olympics Cambridge Football Club.

The Trust intends to follow up on their participation in that event later this summer, by fielding a squad at this year’s Special Olympics GB National Games in August.

It would mark the first time Milton Keynes has been represented by an inclusion football team on a national stage if they were to take part, and the Trust is actively seeking partners to turn players’ dreams into reality.

Steve added: “I thoroughly enjoyed playing at the Special Olympics tournament, it was such a fantastic opportunity.

“Next season I want to try and win player of the year again and score even more goals, because it is a great feeling to be recognised.

“The chances and encouragement we are provided through tournaments and club activities are extremely valuable, I’d definitely recommend that anyone who’s considering inclusion football comes along to a session with MK Dons.”

Inclusion football sessions run every Sunday in The Dome at Woughton on the Green. Sessions are delivered from 1.30pm until 6pm for youth players aged five to 16 (1.30pm-3pm) and adults (3pm-4.30pm and 4.30pm-6pm).

To register your interest in attending a session, please email info@mkdonscommunitytrust.com.