Worcester City are delighted to announce that they will be hosting Aston Villa’s First Team in a pre-season friendly to be played on Saturday 16th July.

Order your tickets online now: http://www.worcestercityfc.com/shop/?c=7

Manager Carl Heeley said of the prestigious friendly: "I received a telephone call from Brian Little who has recently been appointed as an advisor to the board at Aston Villa. I know Brian well from his days as Gainsborough Trinity Manager, and he asked if we would like to play a Villa First Team as they were looking to play two games on the 16th July, the other one being at AFC Telford United at lunchtime. It will be a great experience for our players and supporters alike."

The game against the Championship side will kick off at 3pm and will be staged at nearby Stourport Swifts’ ground. Football Secretary/Director Joe Murphy explained: “It was fantastic news to get this game through one of Carl’s contacts, but unfortunately it came too early for the pitch to be ready at our new home. We made a few phone calls and we are really grateful to our near neighbours at Stourport Swifts who are allowing us to host both this game and the Senior Cup Semi Final the following Tuesday at Walshes Meadow. By way of a thank you we will be opening our pre-season schedule with a friendly against Swifts.”

[b]Admission prices for the Aston Villa game will be £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions (Children under 5 will be free).

Admission will be pay on the gate, and with a large crowd anticipated, with a limited capacity, supporters are advised to arrive at the ground early. Those who wish to purchase tickets in advance can now do so online. E-Tickets are available to purchase at http://www.worcestercityfc.com/shop/?c=7 - Simply order and pay online, then arrive at the turnstile with valid I.D (ensure all details are correct when checking out).

City’s pre-season schedule for 2016/17 is confirmed as follows:
Saturday 9th July 3pm v STOURPORT SWIFTS (A) @ Stourport Swifts FC, Walshes Meadow, Harold Davies Drive, Stourport on Severn, DY13 0AA

Tuesday 12th July 7.45pm v STRATFORD TOWN (A) @ Stratford Town FC, DCS Stadium, Knights Lane, Tiddington, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7BZ

Saturday 16th July 3pm v ASTON VILLA (H) @ Stourport Swifts FC, Walshes Meadow, Harold Davies Drive, Stourport on Severn, DY13 0AA

Tuesday 19th July 7.45pm v REDDITCH UNITED – WORCESTERSHIRE SENIOR CUP SEMI FINAL (H) @ Stourport Swifts FC, Walshes Meadow, Harold Davies Drive, Stourport on Severn, DY13 0AA

Saturday 23rd July 3pm WORCESTERSHIRE SENIOR CUP FINAL (if win Semi Final tie) @ Bromsgrove Sporting FC, The Victoria Ground, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0DR)

Saturday 30th July 3pm v LEAMINGTON (A) @ The Phillips 66 Community Stadium, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, CV33 9SA

The Vanarama National League North 2016/17 campaign will start on Saturday 6th August. Keep an eye on www.worcestercityfc.com for news of the fixtures expected to be announced around 6th July.