Villa have taken another step towards embracing equality and diversity throughout the club after being handed the intermediate level of the Racial Equality Standard, awarded by Kick it Out.

The club achieved the preliminary award in May 2006 and the evidence we produced for the next level was judged successful this month.

Lee Preece, VIH project manager, said: "We are delighted to have achieved the next level of this important standard.

"Villa appreciates that Birmingham is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe, if not the world.

"We need to ensure we have the skills to welcome different cultures to Villa Park and ensure they are comfortable in our home.

Lee added: "Tackling racism has been high on the agenda for football clubs and organisations like Kick it Out for many years and they have made great strides towards eradicating the obvious problems.

"But the bigger challenge now is continuing to create a welcoming environment for all faiths, creeds and colours who may want to show their support for Aston Villa."

Vision

Villa in Harmony represents Aston Villa Football Club's commitment to achieving equality across all areas of the business. We aim to provide a welcoming environment for supporters, local community, customers, employees, contacts and competitors. We intend for Aston Villa to be an inclusive institution of equal opportunity and free from discrimination of any kind. We embrace all, regardless of age, colour, ethnic and national origin, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or disability. Villa in Harmony represents equality everywhere.

Blow the Whistle

The world over, players and fans from all walks of life unite to play and watch football. On the pitch, racism and racist abuse is not tolerated and here at Aston Villa, it is not tolerated off the pitch either. Racial abuse tarnishes the worldwide language of football. Call the Kick It Out incident line: 0800 169 9414 You can take a stand and you can speak out against any form of racial abuse, chanting or harassment you may hear, in confidence. Blow the whistle on racism!