Last weekend, on the 4th June, MK Dons SET Inclusion teams rounded off their season in style lifting four out of the six available trophies on the day.
Over 1000 players competed in Oxford City across all age groups. The Dons entered 10 squads and over 100 Inclusion players proudly represented the Club, with support from Club Principal Partner Suzuki GB, in the hot weather overcoming the challenges to finish with Inclusion football’s best season post lockdown.
The Under 14’s, under 16’s, League Two Panthers and Championship Warriors were the winners on the Day bringing home the trophy to Milton Keynes. The under 14’s, who have grown from strength to strength, competed in their first ever season together for 2022/23 and ended it with a 2-0 win in the final. Whilst the Under 16’s have enjoyed a strong season sitting at the top of the league since December. The Under 16’s extended their lead at the top of the table to 34 points with an unbeaten finals day tournament.
For the first time in 8 years the League Two Panthers won the league through a 1-0 final day win. The result summarised the season where the team defended strongly, the Panthers only conceded two goals all season.
The 2022/23 Season can be seen as one which broke down many barriers to allow players to have a safe place to participate and play football. MK Dons SET Inclusion football have dedicated coaches, 80% of which are volunteers, who dedicate their time to play and coach for 50 weeks per year. The continued support and sponsorship from Suzuki GB has allowed Inclusion football to grow through dedicating hours and volunteers as well as kit for players.
MK Dons SET Head of inclusion Kelly Day summarised: “It’s been an amazing year for inclusion football, with a 30% increase in numbers, we are growing from strength to strength. And look Forwards to expanding over the coming year, I couldn’t do without the continued support and commitment of all coaches, continued support from MK Dons and MK Dons SET for allowing me to keep my promise to never see anyone be told there is no place for the in football”
