Two of Villa's top stars are making a big impact as club role models.

Villa skipper Gareth Barry has been confirmed as a Prince's Trust ambassador while Nigel Reo-Coker is Villa's new Football Foundation ambassador.

One of Barry's first roles was to congratulate 12 young people after they completed a personal development programme with The Prince's Trust, Aston Villa and Sutton College. Barry presented certificates to the members of Team 33, who had all developed their confidence, motivation and skills through teamwork in the community.

Team 33, who are aged between 16 and 25, carried out a community project at Wyndley Grange Nursing Home in Sutton Coldfield, where they created an outdoor summer house for residents to enjoy. As part of their team challenge, they worked with young people from the Depaul Trust, inviting them to enjoy a tour of Villa Park and attend a home game against Fulham.The team members also completed work placements in the retail industry, at HM customs and at Sutton Park nature centre.

Barry said: "I admire the work of The Prince's Trust in helping to change young lives, so I was happy to get involved with them.

"It's been great to meet Team 33 and see first hand how The Trust and the club have helped to inspire many young people and encouraged them to gain the skills they need to move forward."

Nigel, meanwhile, was West Ham's Football Foundation representative and takes over the role here at Villa Park after previous role model Jlloyd Samuel left for Bolton.

The Football Foundation is a unique partnership funded by The FA Premier League, The FA and the Government. The Foundation is playing a key role in revitalising grass roots sport, investing in our parks, schools and playing fields and harnessing the power of the game within our communities, to promote education and social inclusion. Their mission is to improve facilities, create opportunities and build communities.