Students from Shireland Collegiate Academy acted as flag bearers at Aston Villa’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bologna at Villa Park.
A group of 26 students, accompanied by four staff members, were welcomed to the stadium on arrival and given a behind-the-scenes experience ahead of kick-off. This included a rehearsal for the on-pitch flag presentation, followed by time in the VIP area.
The students later made their way to the North Stand tunnel, where they joined the pre-match build-up before walking out onto the pitch alongside the club’s players in front of more than 42,500 supporters.
Following the ceremony, they watched the match from the stands as Aston Villa secured progression to the next round of the competition.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience a major European fixture at Villa Park and to gain insight into the professional environment that underpins elite football. They conducted themselves exceptionally well throughout the evening and represented the Academy with real maturity and pride.
“We’re very grateful to the Aston Villa Foundation for their continued support and collaboration in helping us deliver an exceptional Post-16 Football Programme for our students.”
The visit formed part of Shireland Sixth Form’s ongoing partnership with the Aston Villa Foundation, which co-delivers the Academy’s Post-16 Football Programme, launched earlier this year.
The programme combines full-time academic study with football development, including UEFA-qualified coaching, competitive fixtures for the Aston Villa Foundation, strength and conditioning and. Students also follow individual development plans aligned to the Foundation’s coaching philosophy, alongside opportunities in the EFL CEFA, and Birmingham County FA Wednesday College Leagues.
Through the partnership, students are also able to access stadium visits and occasional use of Aston Villa Inner-City Academy.
Applications for Year 12 at Shireland Sixth Form starting September 2026 are now open through Applicaa, the Academy’s new online admissions system, where students can apply and track their progress in real time.
To find out more or apply, visit www.collegiateacademy.co.uk.
