AFC Wimbledon appoint Tammy Parlour as interim chair | OneFootball

Tammy Parlour, the chief executive and co-founder of the Women’s Sport Trust, has been appointed interim chair of the women’s board at AFC Wimbledon.

Parlour, an influential figure in women’s professional sport who received an MBE for services to gender equality in 2019, will fill the role vacated by David Growns, who drew a line under his decade-long stewardship earlier this month.

“It’s an honour to step into this role at such an exciting moment for AFC Wimbledon Women. David’s leadership over the past decade has left a powerful legacy, and I look forward to building on that foundation with my fellow board members, our players, and our supporters,” said Parlour.

“Together, we want to continue strengthening the club’s role within the community while helping our women’s team push forward on and off the pitch.”

AFC Wimbledon, who currently compete in FA Women’s National League South, the third tier of English women’s football, began the season with a 2-1 home defeat to Real Bedford at the weekend.

How did AFC Wimbledon fare last season?

The club finished seventh in the league last year, with Parlour expected to be a key influence behind the scenes as the club seek to build on a summer of change that has brought the addition of six players.

Strikers Daisy McLachlan and Kaylee Buckingham have arrived from Portsmouth and Southampton respectively, with the front line bolstered further by the capture of Alisha Buckingham from AFC Bournemouth.

Other new recruits include defensive duo Emily Wallace and Mollie Peachey, while midfielder Iola Cotter has returned to the club after four years in the United States.

In addition to her experience in women’s football governance, Parlour is an experienced practitioner of the Korean martial art Hapkido and holds a masters degree in strength and conditioning.

“We are thrilled that Tammy has agreed to take on this position,” said Mick Buckley, the AFC Wimbledon chairman.

“She is widely respected across the sporting world for her vision and leadership, and she has already been a vital part of AFC Wimbledon Women’s growth.

“We look forward to working with her as we continue to develop the club’s women’s programme.”