AV Former Players Association Newsletter 10

Welcome to the monthly e-letter from Aston Villa Former Players Association, keeping you up to date with the news, events and happenings within the organisation. W: www.astonvillafpa.org

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!

On the afternoon/evening of Sunday 19th December, the Aston Villa FPA staged the annual 'Aston Villa Old Stars` football team Christmas party & annual awards function at Villa Park.

The extremely severe snowy and icy weather meant 43 people were unable to make it on the day, but 147 brave and determined former players and guests conquered the elements to be there.

And well done & congratulations to the staff at Aston Villa Football Club for also beating the weather conditions and whose first-class service helped make the event a great success.

An excellent 4-course lunch was interspersed with great entertainment and some games hosted by MC Paul Burrell. 'Desi Nach`, the UK`s no. 1 'Bollywood` Dance Troupe proved a big hit with their three breathtaking performances and 12 years old 'Patrick` wowed everyone with his amazing football skills and tricks demonstration.

An hilarious 'Mr & Mrs` game that featured former players and wives John & Linda Deehan, Ken & Maureen McNaught, Steve & Linda Staunton, and former Aston Villa director Steve Stride and his wife Carolyn, was won by the McNaught`s.

Music, dancing and some unforgettable Karaoke performances followed the highlight of the event, the annual players` awards for 2010.

The 'Leading Goalscorer` award (Charlie Aitken Cup) went to Martin Carruthers who also won the 'Forward of the Year` award. 'Defender of the Year` was Jon Pearson. 'Midfielder of the Year` was Colin Gibson. The prestigious 'Clubman of the Year` (Stan Arthurs Memorial Shield) for outstanding service to the Aston Villa FPA during 2010 was awarded to Steve Staunton, and the top award of 'Player of the Year` (Leslie Smith Memorial Shield) was won by Tony Morley, for a record 5th occasion.

In the New Year, please visit www.astonvillafpa.org for a full report and photographs from this event.

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WE WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HEALTHY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

As 2010 draws to a close, we thank everyone involved with the Aston Villa Former Players Association, and all those individuals and companies that have supported us throughout the year, which has been one of our most successful ever.

In particular, we thank the Chairman, Directors and all at Aston Villa Football Club for their continued great support, and Mike McKenna, MD of Medsport GB who is the main sponsor of the Aston Villa FPA, and Ray Gillespie, Director of FragranceMad.com who is the main sponsor of the Aston Villa Old Stars football team.

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FORMER PLAYERS RAISE OVER £200k

Since it was formed 16 years ago come January 2011, a key objective of the Aston Villa FPA has always been to raise funds for charities and other worthy causes - and the former players did a great job during 2010.

By attending and supporting a wide range of fundraising events and playing in Aston Villa Old Stars fixtures, the former players helped to raise a magnificent sum of £202,000 during the year for a host of good causes.

Once again, the Aston Villa former players have done football proud, the name of Aston Villa proud, and most of all, done themselves proud. Well done to you all, you`re efforts have helped to improve the quality of life for many people, particularly children.

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GET WELL SOON DAVID

Everyone at the Aston Villa FPA sends their best wishes for a speedy recovery to David Maguire, who recently underwent a Liver transplant operation. David is a staunch Villa fan and supporter of the Aston Villa FPA who joined us on our 2009 'football & golf` tour to Cyprus.

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NEW CHARITY CLOSE TO COMPLETION

The 'Aston Villa Former Players Foundation` charity is just awaiting confirmation from the Charities Commission of its registered status.

The newly formed Charity will be the biggest and most important development in our 16-years history. The Charity will be the vehicle for all of our extensive 'health & welfare` support to former players and their families that are in need, as well as supporting other selected charitable and good causes.

Everything is now in place, including the appointment of 4 independent Trustees, and we expect to be fully functioning by next month.

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