Aston Villa supports Acorns in Europe

12th March 2024

Acorns logo made a welcome return to Villa shirts for the Club’s Europa Conference League clash against Ajax.

The Villans took on the Dutch side at their home in Amsterdam, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.

The club’s main shirt sponsor gambling firm BK8 could not be featured on their shirts for the match due to Dutch advertising regulations.

So, in an incredible gesture of support, Aston Villa instead featured Acorns logo on their shirts, shining a spotlight on vital care for local children and families on a platform watched by millions across Europe.

Aston Villa’s iconic decision to feature the logo on their shirts from 2008-10 was groundbreaking and demonstrates the long and proud history the charity shares with the club.

Unveiling the new Aston Villa football shirt.
Unveiling the new Aston Villa football shirt.

Chris Heck, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, said: “Aston Villa and Acorns have a relationship that is world-renowned, which was brought to global attention some 16 years ago when the hospice’s name appeared on the front of those famous claret and blue shirts for the first time.

“We are delighted to be able to continue to work together for such a noble and important cause and we hope this exposure to such a large audience will be hugely beneficial to Acorns.

“On our previous visit to the Netherlands earlier in this competition, we were proud to wear the Aston Villa’s Foundation’s branding on the front of our shirts and we are extremely pleased that we’ll be able to carry Acorns’ message in a similar way.”

Aston Villa proudly wear the Acorns logo on their football shirts.
Aston Villa proudly wear the Acorns logo on their football shirts.

Trevor Johnson, Acorns Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely honoured to once again see our logo emblazoned on Aston Villa’s shirts for their Europa Conference League match against Ajax. All of us at Acorns are deeply touched by this incredible gesture of support.

“We’re especially thrilled to appear on their shirts during the Club’s 150th anniversary year. Their iconic decision to feature our logo on the front of their shirts from 2008-10 was groundbreaking and demonstrates the long and proud history we share with the club.

“Being showcased on such a grand stage not only raises awareness of Acorns but also shines a spotlight on our care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions on a platform watched by millions across Europe. Exposure of this magnitude not only highlights our lifeline care and support but will also help us reach even more families in need.

“Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to our friends at Aston Villa Football Club and their supporters for their dedication to Acorns. Together, we are stronger for local children and families and we are honoured to continue such a meaningful partnership.”

Acorns provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families.

Every year the charity cares for more than 700 children their families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, work which relies on donations and fundraising to continue.

Find out more about Acorns by visiting www.acorns.org.uk