Aston Villa

Founded in 1874, Aston Villa are one of the oldest and most historic clubs in English football. Formed by members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel in Birmingham, the club became a driving force in the early development of the professional game and was a founding member of the Football League in 1888. Villa enjoyed enormous success during football’s formative years and later reached the pinnacle of European football by winning the European Cup in 1982. Their famous claret and blue colours, Villa Park home and distinctive lion crest have become enduring symbols of a club with more than 150 years of history.

5 facts you might not know

1. Villa helped create the Football League
   Villa director William McGregor proposed the competition that became the Football League in 1888.
2. The club began in a chapel
   Aston Villa were formed by members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel cricket team looking for a sport to play during winter.
3. Villa Park wasn’t always Villa Park
   The ground was originally known as the Aston Lower Grounds and was built on part of a former Victorian pleasure ground.
4. Villa conquered Europe in their first attempt
   Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982, the first season in which the club competed in the tournament.
5. The lion has Scottish roots
   Villa’s famous rampant lion was adopted through the influence of Scottish figures at the club and has featured in various forms throughout much of its history.