Our Purpose
The Women in Football Working Group exists to make Aston Villa a leader in safety, inclusion, and respect for women, girls, and non-binary people across all areas of football — at Villa Park, at away games, in pubs and watch parties, online spaces, and within our wider fan culture.
Our vision is to combat sexism, misogyny, and male violence through education, awareness, meaningful partnership, and cultural change. We are committed to creating an environment where all women feel safe, valued, included, and empowered to participate fully in football — both on and off the pitch.
Our Mission
Safety & Matchday Environment
- Every fan has the right to feel safe at the football.
- We will work with the Club, stewards, West Midlands Police, and national partners to improve matchday safety, introduce enhanced reporting mechanisms, conduct regular safety audits, and develop safe zones and social spaces for women and families.
- Our goal is a matchday experience free from harassment, intimidation, or fear.
Education & Awareness
- Cultural change requires knowledge and visibility.
- We will lead campaigns tackling sexism, misogyny, and male violence — engaging fans, staff, players, and the wider community through impactful messaging and workshops.
- Through partnerships with organisations such as White Ribbon and Women’s Aid, we will promote allyship and drive lasting change.
Partnership & Unity
- Meaningful change is collective. This group brings together Club staff, players, fan representatives, community leaders, safeguarding experts, and local authorities.
- Through a unified working group with clear responsibilities, we will ensure decisions are informed, inclusive, and rooted in collective action.
Changing Culture in Men’s Football
- Men’s football has enormous influence. We will use the platform of the men’s team to challenge harmful behaviours, set new standards, and embed messages of equality and respect across Villa Park.
- Our ambition is to make Aston Villa a benchmark club for tackling sexism within the men’s football environment.
Leadership & Recognition
- Aston Villa should set the standard for others to follow. We will work to establish the Club as a Premier League and WSL leader on women’s safety and inclusion, leveraging media partnerships, national campaigns, and recognition programmes.
- Our work will help position Villa as a champion club in this space.
Our Objectives for 2025/26
- Launch and embed a unified, multi-stakeholder working group led by AVFC.
- Introduce improved reporting mechanisms, steward training, and matchday safety audits.
- Deliver education and allyship workshops across fan groups, community spaces, and schools.
- Launch a season-long awareness campaign across the men’s and women’s teams.
- Publish the first annual progress report on safety, campaigns, and cultural change.
- Build the foundations for Aston Villa to become a national leader in women’s safety and inclusion.