The Claret & Blue Podcast has shared a powerful and important video featuring Jude Aston, a lifelong Aston Villa FC supporter and wheelchair user, reflecting on what it really means to follow Villa home and away as a disabled fan.
After developing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Jude’s right leg became fused towards his chest. In 2022, he made the difficult decision to undergo an amputation — a choice that ultimately gave him greater freedom and independence, including the ability to travel to Villa matches across the UK and Europe.
But as Jude explains, that freedom still comes with barriers. Extra assistance, ramps, out-of-order lifts, train delays, airport rules and inconsistent support all shape the matchday experience for disabled supporters. The video offers an honest, first-hand account of the practical and emotional challenges involved, and why accessibility must be treated as a whole-journey issue, not just what happens inside the stadium.
Watch the video:
“Train delays, wheelchairs & getting out of Aston – My life following Villa”
Support and resources
- Aston Villa Disabled Supporters Association (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/348453494938/?ref=share_group_link&rdid=i9bwyFsXkvl7r2KJ#
- AVFC Accessibility page: https://www.avfc.co.uk/club/disability-accessibility/
- Jude’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@judes_journey
AVFC Fan Advisory Board – Accessibility Group
Accessibility is a core priority for the AVFC Fan Advisory Board. Through our Accessibility Group, we work with the Club to highlight lived experience, identify barriers, and push for meaningful, practical improvements for disabled supporters — from transport and wayfinding to communication, facilities, and matchday support.
You can read more about our ongoing work here:
https://avfcfab.org/accessibility/
About the Claret & Blue Podcast
Claret & Blue is a podcast about all things Aston Villa, hosted by Dan Rolinson, Mat Kendrick and John Townley. The team publish a minimum of four new episodes per week throughout the 2025/26 Premier League season, covering matches, news, analysis and fan perspectives.
- Website:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc - Twitter / X:
https://twitter.com/ClaretBluePod
We encourage all supporters to watch Jude’s video, reflect on the experiences shared, and continue the conversation about how football can and must be more accessible for everyone.
Supporters who wish to stay informed about this and other FAB activity are encouraged to join the FAB mailing list, where we share updates, meeting summaries, and opportunities for fan input.
UTV.