Foundation award longtime staff member with 'One of our Own' Award

At Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest, the Aston Villa Foundation celebrated our Premier League Supports fixture.

Club Community Organisations across the Premier League and EFL were given the opportunity to showcase the important work they do within their local communities throughout the campaign. 

On matchday, staff members from the Foundation were based across Villa Park, showcasing various workshops and activities from across our eight departments. 

The campaign also saw the nomination of the 'One of our Own' award. Clubs were invited to nominate a notable figure who has shown exceptional commitment and long-term contribution in their community.

The Aston Villa Foundation were proud to nominate Disability Manager, Nigel Macrow, for the award.

Nigel has been working with the Foundation since April 1990, as the first Villa in the Community staff member alongside Community Liason Officer and former Aston Villa captain Ron Wylie.

Starting off working with the soccer schools and matchday specials, he started the Foundation’s Disability provision in the early 2000s, managing the PAN Ability Counts teams and Day Care Centres, to ensure football and sport is inclusive for all.

Nigel played a key role in the set-up of the Ability Counts League with the FA, sitting as chairman of the League until 2010.

He said : "I feel surprised and appreciated to have received the Premier League’s One of our Own Award. 

"When Aston Villa's Disability Football Provision was set up in 2000, there were very few models to follow for the establishment of our own programme. 

"We explored various options, setting up a wheelchair football team, now known as the Villa Rockets, as well as giving children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to play football through the school’s league, leading up to the establishment of the Ability Counts League.

"I am proud to have been at the forefront of the establishment, and to see disability football grow into what it is today."

Nigel has received an influx of support from supporters and participants, for his hard work and commitment to his work in the disability provision. 

Joanne O’Callaghan, whose son plays for the Foundation's under-12's Ability Counts team shared: “I think it is fantastic that Nigel has been recognised for the work he does with the kids. My son is part of the AVFC Ability Counts Under-12s team and since we found Nigel and his team, the change in my son has been amazing.

"It is about more than just football, it changes families’ lives. My son is now confident socialising with other children, he's happy and outgoing and has an amazing group of friends within the Ability Counts team.

"Thank you, Nigel, for all you do.”