Wimbledon CSC

We continue our introduction of Celtic supporter groups, with Wimbledon CSC

The idea of starting a Celtic supporters Club in Wimbledon was sown when a few London based Celtic fans went out for a few drinks. After several pints one of the bhoys, Jimmy McGibney (who was later to become the Club’s first president), stood up and put £5 down on the table and said “Lads, let’s start a Wimbledon Celtic Supporter’s Club”. The others in the company were equally enthusiastic and one of them, Mick O’Donnell (who was later to become the Club’s first chairman) said he would make his two season books available to the Club’s future members.

The Club’s first meeting was held in the Irish Centre in South Wimbledon when scores of people turned up asking if they could join. Consequently, in the spring of 1997, Wimbledon CSC was born.

During its 26 years of existence the Club has put on many memorable events including a benefit evening for Jimmy Johnstone which several Lisbon Lions attended. The club has also had many ex- players come to the Club including; Frank McAvennie, John (Yogi) Hughes, Chris Sutton, John Hartson & most recently, Martin O’Neill.

Non-members are very welcome at WCSC and we ask for a £3 entrance fee and all of that money is then donated to a charity nominated by our members. For the last few years our chosen charity has been the Kano Foundation and we are very pleased to say that so far, the donations have been in excess of £10,000. In addition, we have made significant donations to the Celtic F.C Foundation as well as supporting several local charities including organising collections for Wimbledon Foodbank and donating toys at Christmas to the children’s ward of a local hospital keeping up with Celtic’s charitable ethos.

Whilst the Club started out at the Irish Centre, over the years it has also had some temporary homes such as The Grove in South Wimbledon (now a Tesco Express) and Jack Beards in Tooting (now an upmarket wine bar that doesn’t sell Bucky !!). However, for the past few years Wimbledon CSC is back at its spiritual home at the South London Irish Centre and hopefully we will remain there for many, many years to come

The current committee include Chris Broadley, David Kelly, Tommy McCulloch, Daniel O Sullivan, Max Nixon and Rab McGeachy and current membership is at 130 people. The club has numerous season tickets and always has someone representing the club at the games. Our club flag is never too hard to find at the match!

So when visiting London please add Wimbledon CSC to your must see attractions. You will be made very welcome. Please do not hesitate to contact us at:

• Twitter - @wimbledoncsc

• Email: wimbledoncsc@yahoo.com