By Aston Villa FC

Official Supporters Group Villa & Proud haven’t let the COVID-19 pandemic stand in the way of their mission to empower, support and build LGBT+ inclusion for Aston Villa fans, players and staff.

The group, which launched in November 2018, now have over 2,500 followers on social media, and they were recently shortlisted for the FSA’s Fans For Diversity Award along with Villans Together. (You can vote for them here.)

And before Sunday’s game against Leicester City at Villa Park, some of their growing number of members took part in a virtual ‘Pre-Match Social’ with fellow LGBT+ supporters group Foxes Pride.

Villa & Proud have been running the events since Premier League football returned in June, and they’ve since attracted Villa fans from all over the world.

In a time when supporters have been unable to attend matches and see friends and family due to the national Lockdown, many of the attendees have found the events hugely beneficial.

Michelle from London said: “The Villa & Proud Pre-Match Socials have kept me going through lockdown.

“They’ve introduced me to some amazing new friends and made me feel even more like a member of the Villa community. Knowing there are other LGBTQ+ Villa fans brings a kind of mental strength that I didn’t know I needed.”

Mental health is a big focus of the Pre-Match Socials and they have also supported the Aston Villa Foundation’s ‘TeamWork’ programme and ‘Time to Talk’ day earlier this month.

Tackling isolation and promoting inclusion are key objectives of the sessions, which also help fans feel closer to the club.

NJ from the USA said: “The Pre-Match Socials are a great way to keep in touch with fellow LGBT+ supporters about our favourite club.

“In a time where people are being kept apart, it is a wonderful way to bring fans together and keep spirits up.”

Mike from Birmingham added: “Pre-Match Socials have really changed my matchday experience since last year. Before, a matchday felt so different than the 'norm' and quite lonely, but they have revolutionised the fan experience now.

If you’d like to get involved in the Pre-Match Socials or become a member of Villa & Proud, follow them on Twitter or visit their website.

February also marks LGBT History Month. Show your support by wearing one of our Part of the Pride t-shirts.