The Aston Villa Foundation are proud to celebrate the More Than A Game campaign, bringing together the Premier League and football clubs to showcase how community programme delivery positively impacts the lives of millions around the country.
Ahead of Saturday's fixture against Ipswich Town at Villa Park, with More Than A Game visible at all top-flight matches between February 1-16, we are showcasing how the Foundation can be innovative in their approach towards catering to local needs.
The Villa Catering Club course is delivered in collaboration with South and City College Birmingham through the Adult Education Budget, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, with course accreditation supplied by the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS).
The course aims to bridge the current skills gap in catering and hospitality, providing participants with industry recognised qualifications and opportunities to develop their skill sets across a range of food-related dishes.
The relationship with Levy UK at the club and partner organisation Bangers n’ Mash Up also provides invaluable work placements to students on matchdays. It takes place within one of the Villa Park concourse kiosks and on the Foundation’s own Kerbside Cobs Food Truck, giving them a platform to develop and kickstart their journey within the hospitality sector.
Tutors also support the students with skills to enhance their employability, such as CV writing and interview techniques, to give them the best possible chance of securing sustainable employment beyond the completion of the course.
One former participant on the course said: "Villa Catering Club staff delivered an outstanding presentation of the Level 2 Skills First in Catering and Hospitality Qualification, demonstrating both expertise and passion for the industry. Their engaging approach made complex concepts accessible, ensuring every participant felt supported and inspired throughout the learning journey.
"With their wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, staff seamlessly blended theory with practical application, equipping learners with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the hospitality sector.
"Their dedication to fostering a positive and interactive learning environment was evident in the way they encouraged questions, provided insightful feedback and shared invaluable industry insights.
"Thanks to their exceptional guidance, students left the session feeling empowered and well prepared for the next step in their careers, truly setting the standard for excellence in training, and their passion for hospitality shone through in every aspect of their presentation.”
See Kerbside Cobs in action this Saturday by dropping by for a tasty cob, as well as having the opportunity to meet some of our Foundation Ambassadors.
If you would like more information or want to register for Catering Club, please contact Aston Villa Foundation Coordinator Aaron Drakeley.
The Aston Villa Foundation
