Foundation

Introduction to the Aston Villa Former Players Foundation

When the Aston Villa Former Players Association was founded in January 1995, its core purpose was then and still remains, to provide ‘health & welfare’ support to former players in need.

Initially, this support was very much limited to those requiring help with medical or serious financial problems. Now, with the formation of the Aston Villa Former Players Foundation - which is separate to the Association, but works hand-in-hand - our extensive 'Health & Welfare' operation provides support across the following areas…

HEALTH & WELFARE

Medical & Care

Access to funding for medical treatment and/or surgical operations

The provision of respite for wives/family of former players that require 24/7 home care

Assistance in accessing permanent care home residence and on site medical support to enable husbands and wives to stay living together

Support to bereaved families and assistance with funeral arrangements and communications

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Financial

Access to funding for those suffering severe financial hardship

Setting up of Trust Funds with independent trustees for members who have been diagnosed with terminal illness

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Career & Education

Access to funding and support for re-education, skills training and alternative career opportunities

Support for career contingency planning for former players of all ages to support their transition into mainstream employment

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Professional Services

Direct access to the “Sporting Chance Clinic” for professional treatment for those experiencing addiction

Provision and/or help in the procuring of professional counselling and/or therapy

Access to professional services support, including legal and financial

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Furthermore, the Aston Villa Former Players Association will continue to help generate funds for selected national & local charities and other local community causes.

The World Health Organisation defined health as being "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity"

It is our aim to ensure all former players are in "good health". If you or someone you know needs support, please let us know.

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Although ambitious, the ultimate goals of the Aston Villa Former Players Foundation are:

- Provision of fully-funded annual health checks and on-going treatment where applicable

- To influence the opening of a Residential Home located in the midlands where former players of Midlands clubs can receive the appropriate Care & Convalescence in the company of other former players during their most difficult days.

The first goal is urgently required now.

Former players are being lost to diseases that are treatable if diagnosed early enough… but requires substantial funding.

The latter is not a new idea nor is it without precedent.

Click here to find out how you can become a member of the AVFPA Membership scheme.