Villa & Proud were big winners at the Football Supporters’ Association Awards last week.
The group, who seek to empower, support and build LGBTQ+ inclusion for Aston Villa fans, players and staff, won the prestigious Fans For Diversity prize.
The FSA Awards, which took place online for the first time due to the pandemic, saw over 250,000 votes cast, with Villa & Proud beating five supporters’ groups from clubs around the country to win.
We can't show you this embedded content because you've only accepted 'essential' cookies. To view it, please accept all cookies
“We are so humbled to be recognised nationally for the work that we are doing,” founder Sam Timms said.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence that we are building something special at Aston Villa, and that we’re on the right track to achieving our mission. Villa & Proud is run solely by volunteers. It’s a huge honour to win this award.”
Even with the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, Villa & Proud have continued to grow. The group have found innovative ways to engage with the Villa fanbase – including their virtual Pre-Match Socials.
Fellow official supporters’ group Villans Together were also nominated for the award, and Anwar Uddin, Campaigns Officer at the FSA, said it was a great sign of progress at Villa.
He said: “I would like to congratulate Villa & Proud on winning the 2021 Fans for Diversity award, during an uncertain time it's great to see a fan group go above and beyond for fans of all clubs promoting diversity and being a positive light during a dark time.
“To have them and Villans Together shortlisted is a great reflection on the club and the wider fanbase.”
Lucy Keeling, the club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, has worked closely with the two groups and is delighted that their work has been recognised.
She said: “Villa & Proud work tirelessly to build LGBTQ+ inclusion for fans, players and staff at Aston Villa; this work has become even more important throughout these difficult times.
“They promote belonging and connection through pre-match socials and have developed many allies through their powerful #BeVillaProud social campaign.
“To have two supporters groups nominated in the Fans for Diversity category shows that our supporters champion inclusion and equality and are playing a massive part in our club values through our All In initiative.”
Congratulations to both Villa & Proud and Villans Together!
