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Aston Villa is one of four big football teams in the West Midlands. It was established in 1874 and was one of the founder members of the Football League in 1888.

In the period leading up to the Great War, Villa was giants of the game. It were arguably the most successful club in English football.

War broke out in August 1914, just before the new season kicked off – but it was decided to maintain the league for the following season. Later in the war, footballers were encouraged to fight for their country.

Aston Villa has long had a close relationship with the military; in 1916 two allied trenches were named Aston Trench and Villa Trench.

Location: Aston Villa Football Club, Aston, Birmingham B6 6HE.
Image: (Left) Mapping in 1916 of the Villa Trench, (right) an advert encouraging enlisting; courtesy of Laura Mansell.