Villa have taken the first step towards creating racial harmony throughout the club.

The club have achieved the preliminary level of the racial equality standard - one of the many initiatives the club is working towards.

Lord Herman Ouseley said: "The panel commented on the extensive and wide range of methods used by the club to communicate the inclusive message to supporters and the community.

"The evidence submitted illustrates that there is a commitment to develop the themes of equality and community inclusion."

Villa's football operations / projects manager Lee Preece added: "The club are delighted with the preliminary award and it shows the dedication by people throughout the club to providing 'equality everywhere'.

"This isn't just some temporary campaign that lasts for one season, this is a company ethos that everyone connected with Aston Villa continues to work towards and is pleased to be a part of; and this is just the start as we now aim to achieve the intermediate standard in the near future."

Vision
Villa in Harmony represents Aston Villa Football Club's commitment to achieving equality across all areas of the business. We aim to provide a welcoming environment for supporters, local community, customers, employees, contacts and competitors. We intend for Aston Villa to be an inclusive institution of equal opportunity and free from discrimination of any kind. We embrace all, regardless of age, colour, ethnic and national origin, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital status or disability. Villa in Harmony represents equality everywhere.

Blow the Whistle
The world over, players and fans from all walks of life unite to play and watch football. On the pitch, racism and racist abuse is not tolerated and here at Aston Villa, it is not tolerated off the pitch either. Racial abuse tarnishes the worldwide language of football. Call the Kick It Out incident line: 0800 169 9414 You can take a stand and you can speak out against any form of racial abuse, chanting or harassment you may hear, in confidence. Blow the whistle on racism!