Foundation celebrate More Than A Game

Aston Villa’s fixture against Ipswich Town earlier this month saw the Foundation celebrate the Premier League’s More Than A Game campaign.

The initiative brings together football clubs to showcase how community programme delivery positively impacts the lives of millions around the country.

Here's more about some of the top highlights of the celebration…

Ambassadors support Matchday Activations

Ian Taylor and Nigel Boyle were cooking up a storm, giving fans the chance to win a free cob from the Foundation’s food truck, Kerbside Cobs!

The van, redeveloped from a former crime scene investigation unit, provides culinary education to communities in Birmingham. It also operates as a food vendor at community events and matchdays at Villa Park, as well as visiting local schools and community organisations to provide further food and health education to promote healthy lifestyles.

Also with us was actor and lifelong Villa fan Oliver Phelps, who featured on VillaTV with Kate Tracey, Alan McInally and Stiliyan Petrov. Oliver discussed the impact of the Foundation on fans and the local community, along with his role as an ambassador for the charity.

Aaron is Aston Villa’s 2025 Community Captain!

Disability Officer Aaron Drakeley is one of over 100 individuals who have been recognised by the Premier League across England and Wales, being named Aston Villa’s Community Captain for 2025!

Aaron came to the Foundation as a youngster, taking part in the ‘Villa in the Community’ football schemes in the late '90s.

Having been employed by the Foundation for 13 years, Aaron has worked across a multitude of programmes, most recently with the Foundation’s Villa Catering Club, which sees local people gain qualifications and employment within the hospitality industry.

He was presented with the award by midfielder Amadou Onana and Head of Foundation and Community Guy Rippon, receiving a special award with a shirt and pennant signed by Villa captain John McGinn.

Round Ups provide kits for Premier League Primary Stars

The Foundation’s Round Up donations from ticket sales raised over £20,000 for the charity across the 2023/24 season. When purchasing tickets online, fans have the option to either donate or round up their purchase to the nearest pound.

As part of the ‘More Than A Game’ celebrations, funds raised from the round ups helped contribute to purchasing 10 home kits for our mascots, selected from local primary schools who take part in Aston Villa’s Premier League Primary Stars offering.

For many, this was their first time attending a game at Villa Park. One parent said: "(My son) really enjoyed his mascot experience and is really appreciative for this experience. This is a big move for someone who is on the spectrum and is a monumental experience for him, one that he will remember always.”

The option to donate is still available to fans, with 100% of proceeds donated to the Foundation to provide further support for our programmes and the local community.

Billy’s Mascot Moment

We were pleased to have five-year-old Billy Villers as a matchday mascot for our dedicated game, after losing his father Mark suddenly in May last year.

Mark was an avid Aston Villa supporter, and after his passing, Billy now takes over his father’s season ticket, attending games with his grandfather and mother.

On matchday, he walked out on to the pitch with captain John McGinn.

We hope you had the best day, Billy!