Lone Star

It was really exciting to hear about Villa's announcement of a return to the U.S. for a couple of pre-season friendlies in July 2014 against FC Dallas (23 Jul) and Houston Dynamo (26 Jul).

Within hours of the annoucement, there has been all kinds of chatter amongst chairmen and members of the North America-based Lions Club branches.  Plans are underway to organize a foray of North America Lions to the Lone Star State for these 2 matches.

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N. America Invasion of B6  May 2014

A good size group from North America is also traveling to Villa Park in May for the last home match of this season (Hull City) and 2 away fixtures (Man City, Tottenham) + Lions Club Awards Night, UK vs Overseas Chairmen's game.

Match Programme vs Che$ea

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