Wimbledon facts for kids
Wimbledon is a name that can mean a few different things. Most people think of a famous tennis tournament. But it's also a place in London, England, and has been used for sports teams and even a movie! Let's explore what Wimbledon can refer to.
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Wimbledon, the Place
Wimbledon is a suburban area located in south-west London, England. It is part of the London Borough of Merton. This area is well-known for its large open space called Wimbledon Common. It is also famous for being the home of the world-renowned tennis tournament.
The Wimbledon Tennis Championships
The most famous use of the name "Wimbledon" is for The Championships, Wimbledon. This is one of the four major tennis tournaments in the world. These four tournaments are called "Grand Slams." Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam that is still played on grass courts.
The tournament takes place every year over two weeks in late June and early July. It is held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. Many traditions are part of Wimbledon, like players wearing all-white clothing. Fans often enjoy eating strawberries and cream while watching the matches.
Football Teams Called Wimbledon
The name Wimbledon has also been used by two different association football (soccer) teams.
Wimbledon F.C.
Wimbledon F.C. was a professional football club founded in 1889. They were known for their "Crazy Gang" nickname in the 1980s. This was because of their strong team spirit and unusual ways. One of their biggest achievements was winning the FA Cup in 1988. They beat the much stronger Liverpool team in the final. The club later moved from Wimbledon and eventually changed its name.
AFC Wimbledon
A.F.C. Wimbledon is a football club that was founded in 2002. It was created by loyal supporters of the original Wimbledon F.C. They wanted to keep the club's history and spirit alive in Wimbledon. The team started in the lowest league and worked their way up through many promotions. They are now a professional team playing in higher divisions.
Other Uses of Wimbledon
- Wimbledon (movie): This is a romantic comedy movie from 2004. It stars Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst. The story is about a tennis player who is not doing well but finds new success at the Wimbledon Championships.
- Wimbledon station: This is a busy railway station and London Underground station. It is located in Wimbledon, London. It serves as an important transport hub for the area.
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