Football fan undertakes incredible pilgrimage in race against time for very good cause

WATCH NOW: Aidan Magee discusses the latest sport headlines

|

GB News

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 22/08/2025

- 12:23

A Wimbledon AFC fan is taking on an astonishing challenge for charity

A 54-year-old Wimbledon supporter has undertaken an extraordinary challenge, walking across England and Wales to visit every Football League ground within 92 days.

Xavier Wiggins, who has followed AFC Wimbledon for more than four decades, aims to highlight the charitable initiatives undertaken by football foundations across the nation.


The ambitious trek, which began in Swansea on August 2 and will conclude in Plymouth on November 1, has already generated over £23,000 in donations.

**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**

Mr Wiggins is currently making his way through the West Midlands, having recently visited Birmingham City, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Walsall and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Xavier Wiggins

Xavier Wiggins recently visited Wolves during the West Midlands section of his walk

|

X

The journey spans approximately 2,000 miles across both countries, with Mr Wiggins maintaining a gruelling schedule that allows just five rest days throughout the entire expedition.

"I've got my first one in Wrexham this Sunday, so I'm looking forward to that. But I'm being told I have to walk on my rest days," he told BBC Radio Leicester.

Some segments present particular challenges, including a four-day trek from Barrow to Newcastle and a demanding 115-mile stretch connecting Bournemouth to Exeter.

JUST IN: Eddie Howe issues comeback plea to Alexander Isak but sends stark warning ahead of Liverpool clash

Xavier Wiggins' astonishing 92-day trip

|

X

Beyond the 92 league venues, Mr Wiggins will also visit three significant football landmarks: St George's Park, the National Football Museum and Wembley Stadium.

Mr Wiggins' motivation stems from witnessing football's positive community impact whilst establishing Dons Local Action Group during the pandemic.

The charity, which he co-founded with fellow supporters, has facilitated 7 million meals and distributed laptops and furniture across south-east London, engaging 1,100 volunteers annually.

**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**

"I'm doing it to raise the profile of all the great work that football does in communities," Mr Wiggins told the BBC. "It's so easy to get sidetracked by rising ticket prices and private equity and sports washing, it's easy to be negative about football."

His experience revealed how football foundations operate independently from clubs, addressing issues ranging from knife crime to dementia care.

During his West Midlands visits, Mr Wiggins discovered numerous community programmes making tangible differences.

Xavier Wiggins

The Wimbledon fan is currently 20 days into his challenge

|

X

Birmingham City's "Brew with Blues" initiative combats isolation by bringing residents together for complimentary refreshments and social activities at their community hub.

Walsall's employment programme has achieved remarkable results, assisting over 100 individuals with 60 per cent securing jobs.

West Bromwich Albion supports more than 30 teams for people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

"Foundations do so much great work, from work with food banks to knife crime, poverty, mental health and Parkinson's," Wiggins explained to the BBC at Birmingham City's ground.

"There’s this whole sector out there of football foundations linked to the club but not bankrolled by the club they have to stand on their own two feet, but they’re doing fantastic work.

"Many people don’t know about that great work and I want to shine a light on it. I want to raise an enormous amount of money for what they’re all doing.”

Donations can be made at walk92.com.