International Men’s Day 2025

As we mark International Men’s Day (19 November), Aston Villa is sharing how the club has been supporting men’s health and wellbeing throughout the month of November.  

In recognition of International Men’s Day, staff participated in awareness sessions led by David, a representative from Prostate Cancer UK and a Season Ticket holder at the club.

Drawing upon his personal experience of living with prostate cancer, David provided valuable guidance on...

• The importance of risk-checking for prostate cancer
• The range of support available to men with health-related concerns
• How we can foster a culture of openness within the club to support one another

For those wishing to learn more about men’s health, Prostate Cancer UK offers a simple three-question risk checker and comprehensive information for anyone affected by prostate cancer. 

We also encourage contributions to this vital cause. Donations will help fund pioneering research and the next scientific breakthrough, ultimately saving lives across the United Kingdom. 

Former players provide us with a poignant reminder of the importance of Prostate Cancer UK’s work and monitoring your own wellbeing.

The following video provides us with the thoughts of four former players James Chester, Andy Blair, Tommy Johnson and Brian Greenhalgh on the important concerns regarding prostate cancer in the UK and some of their own experiences of receiving a test.

Movember 

Throughout the month of November, several Aston Villa staff have been actively raising funds and awareness for men’s health through Movember. Colleagues have taken part in the campaign by either growing a moustache or moving for Movember, with donations generously contributed by fellow staff members, friends, and family. 

This collective effort is not only helping us to reach our fundraising goals, but also driving us towards our physical challenge targets, demonstrating the commitment and energy of everyone involved. It is also helping us to support a global initiative that shines a spotlight on critical issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. By participating, our staff are helping to spark conversations, break down stigma, and provide vital support for men everywhere. 

We extend our thanks to all those who are taking part, as well as to everyone who has shown their support through donations and encouragement. Your contributions are making a real difference and helping to fund life-changing projects that improve men’s health outcomes across the world. 

Foundation supports Rugby League Care on Movember Ahead of the Game initiative 

Aston Villa Foundation is delighted to be supporting Rugby League Care to deliver Movember’s Ahead of the Game Programme, commencing in December 2025. 

Movember Ahead of the Game is an expert-backed youth mental health programme to enable players, parents, coaches and volunteers to understand mental health and build mental fitness. When faced with challenges in sport and life, young players and participants will know who they can talk to right away, and that their community has their back. 

• For Players - Ahead of the Game uses sport to connect with young people aged 12-18 years and teaches them the skills to stay mentally fit and resilient. 

• For Parents & Carers - Ahead of the Game helps parents understand and recognise mental health challenges in young people. 

• For Coaches & Volunteers - Ahead of the Game helps coaches and club volunteers understand and recognise potential mental health challenges among their players. 

Five members of the Foundation team have been trained as ‘Facilitators’ to deliver the Movember Ahead of the Game Programme to 924 participants over the next delivery year, which will assist Movember in their mission of changing the face of men’s health on a global scale and to stop men dying too young by tackling some of the most complex health issues facing men today. 

Movember is more than moustaches, the money you raise supports prostate and testicular cancer research, funds mental health programs, and helps stop men dying too young.  Find out more here.

“We are excited to have entered into an agreement with Rugby League Care, to deliver the Movember Ahead of the Game Programme throughout our target constituencies within Birmingham," said Neil De-Costa, Senior Programme Manager (Engagement, Sport & Wellbeing) at the Foundation.

"The Programme will be delivered by our Health & Wellbeing and Youth Engagement Officers to participants, parents, coaches, teachers, volunteers and other key stakeholders, enabling them to understand mental health and build mental fitness. 

"Mental health and suicide prevention is a current priority for the Foundation, so we look forward to commencing our delivery of the Programme from December 2025.”