Aston Villa will face Young Boys on Tuesday night in their first Champions League match in over 40 years.
Villa fans will finally reap the rewards of Unai Emery’s wonders from last season, with the Champions League proper finally about to start.
The Birmingham outfit have only competed in the competition once since they lifted the trophy in 1982 and are now looking to prove themselves on Europe’s biggest stage.
Their first game is against Swiss champions Young Boys, who beat Galatasaray over two legs in a play-off match to reach the league phase.
While the travelling fans will be hoping for a victory, many may notice a big change to the club’s kit sponsor for the historic tie.
Read more: How to watch Young Boys vs Aston Villa.
Aston Villa opt for major kit change for Champions League tie
Throughout the club’s history, they have had a long-standing relationship with Acorns.
The hospice is a charity in the West Midlands aimed at caring for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
Villa donned the sponsorship on their shirts as its main kit sponsor between 2008 and 2010 under the ownership of Randy Lerner. However, the two have maintained positive relations since.
Now, ahead of their Champions League showdown, usual sponsors Betano, have donated their space back to Villa and the club, in turn, gave the spot to Acorns.
Chris Heck, President of Business Operations at Aston Villa, said: “We are delighted that Betano came to us to offer up the opportunity and ask who are the best beneficiaries of the space.
“It was an absolute no-brainer to bring Acorns back onto the front of shirt, an organisation close to the hearts of everyone involved with Aston Villa.”
Additionally, Vicki Rowles, Director of Fundraising at Acorns Children’s Hospice, added: “We are extremely honoured to have our logo featured on Aston Villa’s shirts for their UEFA Champions League debut against Young Boys.
“Help can’t wait for the children and families who desperately need us. Thanks to the support of Aston Villa and the global exposure of the Champions League, we can reach even more families in need.
“We’re truly grateful to our friends at Aston Villa for their continued dedication to Acorns. We wish the team the very best of luck for tonight’s game.”
Fantastic touch from Aston Villa to allow Acorns to sponsor first Champions League game
It is no secret that Villa’s strategy this season with their fans has been hit and miss. Villa came under plenty of scrutiny for the prices of their Champions League tickets when they were announced.
However, it is a brilliant decision from the club to bring back Acorns for the Champions League clash.
The work the hospice does is remarkable, and it deserves recognition on football’s biggest domestic stage.
If it can help raise awareness for the cause and proceed with further donations, it will no doubt be a massive success for Acorns and the children.
