It is quite an interesting adventure to be an American supporter of an English football team. The Premiership is one of the most popular football leagues in the world, so as a football fan, one must choose an English Premier League team to support. Most Americans "support" teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, or Liverpool. These are the "big 4" and are well know internationally.
I many ways it is like have a long distance relationship with your significant other. You look at photos (read magazines, scour the internet, watch matches at insane hours of the day), your wear clothing or jewelry to remind you of them (football shirt, scarf), and you attempt to gather with others who are also in the same situation (others that support the same team).
But why Aston Villa? I chose to support AVFC for one reason - their relationship with Acorn's Children's Hospice. Of course, my support for the Villa has grown and expanded beyond this (I started an AVFC supporters branch in California for goodness sake), but it did all start with Acorns. I have been a volunteer and supporter of George Mark Children's House in San Leandro, CA - the first of its kind in the U.S. (free-standing facility focused on providing in-patient pediatric palliative and end-of-life care. Although Villa has returned to having a commercial shirt sponsor this year - their partnership with Acorn's will continue. I will proudly keep wearing my Villa shirts that have ACORNS inscribed across the chest.
I am getting excited for the upcoming Premiership season to start. Up the Villa!
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