Aston Villa Foundation launches Twinning Project Probation Programme

Aston Villa Foundation launches Twinning Project Probation Programme

Aston Villa is delighted to announce the launch of its first Twinning Project Probation Programme.

The Aston Villa Foundation are partnering with Twinning for a 6-week course targeting young people on probation within the West Midlands. Over this period, there will be a focus on personal development, with the aim of improving leadership, confidence and self-esteem to help reduce re-offending in the local community through football and Futsal.

Villa tutors will deliver an FA qualification in leadership in coaching in addition to leadership through Futsal, with delivery taking place at Villa Park.  

Launched in October 2018 by David Dein, former Vice Chairman of Arsenal FC and the Football Association and supported by the UK’s leading professional football clubs and footballing bodies, the Twinning Project aims to support prisoners whilst in custody and on release, to help prepare them in their search for employment upon release and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. 

The Foundation’s Education and Skills Manager said, “Enriching lives within our community is at the forefront at what we do in the foundation and our partnership with the Twinning project put us on the path to one of our key foundation outcomes: ‘Safer, Stronger Communities’. As we are unable to go into prisons this year due to covid-19 we are excited to give young people the opportunity to upskill at Villa Park.” 

Hilton Freund, CEO of the Twinning Project, said: “We are thrilled to facilitate the relationship between the West Midlands Probation Service and Aston Villa, one of England’s most coveted football clubs. The programme’s focus on community-based sentences marks the next step in the Twinning Project’s evolution, as we continue to support those who have found themselves part of the criminal justice system. It’s the dedicated work of foundations like Aston Villa’s that allows us to impact so many lives for the better.”