Aston Villa are to replace their shirt sponsor
with the logo of a children's charity next season.
Villa are to promote Acorns children's hospices for free after
turning down a number of commercial offers in agreement with club
owner Randy Lerner, manager Martin O'Neill and all board
members.
And Villa's head of community Duncan Riddle believes the move
will help the Premier League club to 'give something back' and to
help the charity raise public donations.
"Yes, the shirts have monetary value, but they also have
emotional value to fans and this is something to give back to
them," Mr Riddle said.
David Strudley, the chief executive of Acorns,
said he was amazed at and immensely thankful for Villa's
generosity.
Mr Strudley described Villa's decision to help Acorns as
extraordinary, saying: "They listened to us when we told them that
we needed a platform - they really did want to help the
community."
Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive, also
welcomed Villa's decision.
"Real credit must go to Aston Villa for being the first Premier
League club to use their shirt sponsorship to highlight their
charity partnership with Acorns," added Scudamore
"I am sure that Acorns' association with Aston Villa will be a
great help in raising awareness and funds for the excellent work
they undertake."
