Aston Villa

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The club's history is marked by several name changes and significant on-pitch achievements. Originally Solihull Ladies F.C., they responded to Aston Villa's request for help in forming a ladies' team in 1989, becoming Villa Aztecs. As Aztecs, they reached the 1995 FA Women's Premier League Cup Final, losing 2–0 to Wimbledon Ladies, and played in the FA Women's Premier League before relegation. Renamed Aston Villa Ladies F.C., they spent years climbing through the Northern Division, winning promotion from the Northern Division to the FA Women's Premier League National Division. A defining moment arrived on May 5, 2013, when they won their first trophy, the Women's Premier League Cup, defeating Leeds United Ladies 5–4 on penalties. In 2019, CEO Christian Purslow oversaw a rebrand to Aston Villa Women F.C. to better align with national standards. This era culminated in 2018–19 when they won the FA Women's Championship, securing promotion back to the top flight for the first time since the 2004–05 season.

In Their Own Story

On July 4, 2019, the club officially adopted the name Aston Villa Women F.C., a move CEO Christian Purslow stated 'aligns more appropriately with women’s football in this country.' That same day, Nicola Ibbetson became Chief Commercial Officer and was elected to the FA WSL and Women's Championship board, making them one of only two Championship clubs represented there. The team's journey home to Villa Park accelerated over time; for the 2022–23 season, they played four of their eleven home matches at the men's stadium. By the 2024–2025 season, the club announced all home League fixtures would be held at Villa Park. Off the pitch, ownership evolved on October 21, 2025, when V Sports sold a 10% stake to Marc Zahr of Blue Owl Capital.

Reader's Guide

Supporters should note the club's structured development system under an FA Tier Two Regional Talent Club licence. This framework supports teams across age groups including under-10, under-12, under-14, under-16, and a development squad, aiming to nurture local talent. The club's historical success includes four Northern Division titles (1992–93, 1994–95, 2002–03, 2010–11), one FA Women's National League Cup (2012–13), and the 2019–20 Championship title. The squad roster is managed with specific attention to FIFA eligibility rules, allowing for players holding multiple non-FIFA nationalities. In August 2010, the club demonstrated its developmental strength by supplying eight players to a 30-strong England Under-17 training camp.

Did You Know?

• The club began as Solihull Ladies F.C. in 1973 and did not affiliate with Aston Villa until 1989.
• On May 5, 2013, the team won their first-ever trophy by beating Leeds United Ladies 5–4 on penalties.
• In August 2010, eight players from the club were selected for a 30-strong England Under-17 training camp.
• On July 4, 2019, Nicola Ibbetson became one of only two Championship club representatives on the FA WSL and Women's Championship board.
• The club played all home League fixtures at Villa Park starting from the 2024–2025 season.