MK Dons confirm restructuring of club's women's team

MK Dons have confirmed there will be a restructuring of their women’s first team, which will now be directly run by MK Dons itself.

Since 2009, the Women’s First Team had been run by the Milton Keynes Dons Sports & Education Trust, but the club have now confirmed that they will be incorporated into the operations of MK Dons as a whole from July 1st.

MK Dons made the move after a difficult season for the women’s team in the 2024/25 season. After a mass exodus of players and coaches in the summer of 2024, the Dons’ women’s team picked up a return of just one single point from 22 games, with no wins, 21 defeats and a final goal difference of -114.

The club said, “After a difficult 24/25 season, it’s our hope this strategic move will increase the visibility of Women’s football in Milton Keynes while also improving infrastructure for players, coaches and staff.

“The move will also give the club the opportunity to sustainably market women’s football, leading to increased opportunities for investment via commercial sponsorships and improved attendance on matchdays.”

The restructure will see the club appoint a new first team manager and head coach for it’s women’s set-up as they seek to rebuild in the fourth tier of women’s football.

The club’s CEO Neil Hart told the official website that he was happy to achieve plans for the integration process.

He said, “The integration of the Women’s First Team has been a goal for the new ownership group and myself since they acquired MK Dons last summer, so we’re delighted to announce this exciting development just nine months later.

“We’re very ambitious for the team and what the move represents for women and girls in Milton Keynes. In the short term, the aim is to semi-professionalise the squad before delivering pragmatic growth over the coming years, which will include the appointment of a full-time women’s first team manager.

“MK Dons and MK Dons Women have been separate for too long, and we’re so pleased this will now change, allowing for better integration between the sides as one club.

“I’d like to thank everyone at MK Dons SET, as well as players, coaches and staff, for their tireless work over the years. You’ve made the difference, and we’re so excited to build on your fantastic work. As ever, we’d also like to thank the MK Dons Supporters’ Board for their invaluable feedback.”

MK Dons’ Chairman Fahad Al Ghanim added that he was also pleased to make the move happen.

He said, “This is a proud moment for us all as we look to offer women and girls in Milton Keynes a fantastic football club to play for, support and champion!

“As anyone who lives in MK will know, we’re a one-city club. We’re delighted that any women and girls interested in participating in the sport will now directly benefit from a fantastic ‘semi-professional’ team that represents them, as well as a clear development pathway underneath it.

“This is a clear statement of intent from MK Dons, myself and the Board of directors, as well as everyone who works at Stadium MK.

“We’re at a pivotal moment for women’s sport, this is the right thing to do, and we’re thrilled to re-establish and support its continued development.

“With many incredible women already working at MK Dons, we’re delighted this move will create even more opportunities and see even more inspiring and ambitious staff welcomed into the club.”