Fans, players and Villa legends unite to celebrate equality for ‘all in’

Fans, players and Villa legends unite to celebrate equality for ‘all in’

The Aston Villa Family have come together to deliver a strong message of equality with the club’s ‘allin’ initiative.

Dean Smith, Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish joined supporters’ groups, ex-players and fans in a video highlighting the importance of diversity and equality at Villa Park and in the local community.

The video has recently been shared across the club’s social media channels and was played inside the stadium ahead of kick-off against Manchester City, where allin flag bearers welcomed the two sides on to the pitch.

The club’s Equality and Diversity Officer Lucy Keeling was instrumental in pulling the video together, and she believes it delivers a powerful message.

“Aston Villa Football Club strives to be a place where no matter what walk of life you come from, you’re accepted and welcomed at Villa Park,” said Lucy.

“The city we serve is one of the most diverse areas in the UK and that is something to be celebrated.”

“It was great to have so many people from around Aston Villa come together with the same message that discrimination will not be tolerated at our football club.”

Launched in April 2018

The allin initiative launched in April 2018 with the key principles of equality, valuing diversity and combating unfair treatment throughout all levels of the organisation at its heart.

Through the Aston Villa Foundation, work has since been done to bring the club closer to its local community and make people from ethnic minorities feel welcome at Villa Park.

Between now and the end of the season, the club will be celebrating the diversity of Birmingham in the Fun Zone on a match day with local groups and educational pieces organised through the Foundation.