With Visit Rwanda becoming Aston Villa's new principal partner, attention has largely focused on the men's team. However, the agreement also covers Aston Villa Women, one of the rising women’s clubs in English football.
Although they are not yet among Europe's traditional powerhouses, Aston Villa Women have steadily established themselves as a competitive force in the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL), widely regarded as one of the strongest women's football leagues in the world.
From humble beginnings to the WSL
Aston Villa Women trace their origins to 1973, when the team was founded as Solihull FC. It later became Solihull Borough Ladies before being integrated into Aston Villa Football Club in 1989.
Since turning fully professional, the club has made significant strides.
Villa secured promotion to the Women's Super League in 2020 after winning the FA Women's Championship title and have since cemented their place in England's top flight.
The team has become increasingly competitive against some of the country's biggest clubs, reflecting the club's growing investment in women's football.
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Steady progress
Aston Villa Women have consistently finished in the middle of the WSL table in recent seasons while gradually closing the gap on the league's elite.
Their best campaign came in 2022/23, when they finished fifth—the highest Women's Super League finish in the club's history.
The team has also enjoyed encouraging runs in domestic cup competitions, underlining its steady progress under professional management.
Star players and home ground
The squad has featured several established internationals, including Rachel Daly, Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Parker, Anna Patten and Missy Bo Kearns.
Daly, a member of England's UEFA Women's Euro 2022-winning squad, enjoyed a remarkable 2022/23 season, winning the WSL Golden Boot after scoring 22 league goals for Aston Villa.
The team plays most of its home matches at Villa Park, while some fixtures are held at the club's Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, one of England's leading football training facilities.
Where do they rank in Europe?
Unlike European heavyweights such as Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa Women have yet to qualify for the UEFA Women's Champions League.
As a result, they are not currently considered among Europe's elite clubs.
However, the team is widely regarded as one of England's most ambitious emerging projects, backed by sustained investment from Aston Villa's ownership.
The club continues to strengthen its women's programme through improved facilities, professional contracts, academy development and greater integration with the men's team.
Its long-term ambition is to qualify regularly for European competition and challenge the established powers of English women's football.