Match Programme - Man City

California Lions Club Kit

Toying with the idea of creating a kit for the California Lions Club.  Came up with a crest that I like.

I didn't realize how difficult it is to locate a teamwear company that does a "claret & blue" kit.  This is especially difficult to find in the U.S.  Some thoughts that have bounced around in my head.

Al Saunders - Oakland Raiders

Recently I was informed that Al Saunders, current offensive coach for the NFL's Oakland Raiders, is the great-nephew of legendary Villa manager Ron Saunders.  I just sent a note to Coach Saunders inviting him to be an honorary member of the California Lions Club.  It is amazing how Villa connections pop up everywhere!

Villa legend - Ron Saunders

Al Saunders

 

Detroit "Lions" and Update on FB

So I just heard that the newest U.S.-based Lions Club has been established in Detroit.  The Detroit Lions Club headed up by Mike Pearson.  UTV! 

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Have started a page on Facebook using the FB "Page" format.  The orodinal AVFC California FB page used their old "Groups" format which has only basic admin features compared to the updated "Page" format that is now used by most businesses and organziations.  I'm in the middle of moving as many of the AVFC California photos to the new page.  I will keep both pages up for a little while and then will give a warning with a date when the old "Groups" page will disappear.

More from Chicago

I wanted to share this photo of the three Lions Club chairmen that were in Chicago for the first North American Lions Club meet-up.

(from l-r  Rick Leong, (California Lions Club), Simon Leach (Chicago Lions Club), Chris Fetters (Seattle Lions Club)

Time to start thinking about next year!  UTV

Momentum for an Annual Event

 

 

The 2013 North America Lions Club Meet-Up held in Chicago this past weekend was an amazing success.  Kudos to Simon Leach, chairman of the Chicago Lions Club, for taking the lead in planning and organizing the event.  A tremendous thank you to the owners and staff at The Globe in Chicago.  It was a perfect venue and we all felt right at home.  Your arranging for our match field and the "fully equipped" team bus was above and beyond the call of duty.  Thanks so much!

 

Many voices in the crowd were eager for another one next year - so I think the momentum is already building to turn this into an annual event.

 

UTV!

Chicago 2013

It has been a busy month as preparations are being made for the FIRST meet-up of North American Lions Club branches set for 17 August 2013 in Chicago USA.  Simon Leach, chairman of the Chicago Lions Club has taken up the lead in organizing this first of what we hope will turn into an annual event.  The focus of the weekend will be joining together at The Globe Pub in Chicago to watch Villa take on Arsenal at The Emirates.

On Friday 16 Aug a match has been scheduled between AV Lions Club vs The Globe Pub team.  We will also be running a fundraiser for Acorns in conjunction with the weekend activities.  It is only a few weeks away!  A couple of us California Lions will be making the trip out to Chicago to participate in the festivities.  Up The Villa!

Villa Reach 1M Facebook Fans!

Wow.  Aston Villa has reached 1 Million Facebook fans - amazing.  AVFC California received a shout out from Eric Lichaj on the video produced to celebrate 1 millionth FB "Like".  It is so great to be a small part of this legendary football club!