Birmingham for the Holidays

It's been great helping some California Lions who will be traveling to Birmingham for the holidays sort out tickets for December, January, and February home matches.   Probably one of the most satisfying duties of a Lions Club Chairman. Also, will be getting the AVFC California flag to one of the traveling members so he can fly the California Lions colors at Villa Park.

First Trip to Birmingham and Villa Park

I've returned home following my first trip to Birmingham and Villa Park.  All I can say is that it was an amazing trip.

Touring Villa Park and seeing just how much that facility has to offer was great.  Viewing the many hospitality areas (classy), the corporate suites, changing rooms, media areas, and walking pitch side.  What I enjoyed the most was seeing the Acorns Suite and history provided by our tour guide Pete.  After the tour, Pete was gracious enough to help me take some photos of our AVFC California flag in different spots around the pitch.

In front of the North Stand

In the lower section of the North Stand

With the Holte End in the background

Of course the highlight of the trip was on Sunday, 6 May, when I attended the Villa-Spurs game and then later played in the Chairmen's game.   The whole thing was surreal.  I was able to join other Lions Club members in the Lions Club Lounge prior to the game and then sat in the Doug Ellis stand for the game.  Hearing the singing coming from the Holte End gave me goose bumps.   The result was a 1-1 draw, but it was the point that secured our Premiership safety.

Lions Club interior

Lins Club exterior entrance

Villa Park at halftime

With Bob Clayton, Alicante Lions Club chairman

After signing the "Support Stan" wall

About a week prior to leaving for Birmingham, I was experiencing some slight pain in my left achilles, but it didn't seem serious and I was hoping that it would be ok.  Well, as I walked alot during the first few days, it didn't get any better...an even started to become more uncomfortable.  By Sunday, it was getting pretty painful, but there was no way I was going to back out of playing in the chairmen's game. I got on the pitch and was limping pretty badly, but being able to play on the Villa Park pitch was my focus.  The at one point I went up to compete for a ball in the air and then came down on my left foot and I felt something "give way".  After that - I knew I was in trouble and had to come off.  Today is my first business day back home and I need to get an appt to see my doctor.  My lower leg remains swollen, stiff, and a bit bruised.  I hope that I didn't do too much damage.  Was it worth it though?  ABSOLUTELY.

You are going where?

So I'm heading over to Birmingham for the final home game vs Spurs and to also play in the Chairmen's game on the same day.  Telling friends here in the U.S. where and why I am traveling to Birmingham is always an adventure.  Those who are football fans totally get it and are excited for me.  Some say, "Aston what?".  While others might say, "Interesting."  The way I see it, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity - to play on the Villa Park pitch!
-----
On another note - I wonder how hard would it be to connect more with the U.S. Lions Clubs?  Obviously, the geographic differences make meeting up regularly impossible.  Do we talk about doing someone annually?  It is great to hear about all of the activity that this summer's tour is creating all across the U.S.  Looking forward to creating great U.S. hospitality for our Villa lads.

Processing Tickets

Just received the group tickets for the Villa/Portland Timbers match and spent a little time tonight processing them to send them out to those members I have received payments from already.  Its pretty exciting to have this event coming up in July.  With the physical tickets in hand - it is starting to feel very REAL now.  Being part of a supporters group so far from Birmingham has its challenges.  Since AVFC California covers the entire state, we are spread out geographically.  This Portland trip will be great to have a bunch of us together in one place.  I know that the English chairmen have there own set of challenges too (buying match tickets, arranging coaches, away fixture travel, etc.).  Technology helps keep some of us Villans abroad in touch and connected with the Club.

Also received my Spurs match ticket from Birmingham in the post today.