Aston University X Aston Villa
Activating a Premier League partnership with precision.
Project Snapshot
30 second player feature
Three Aston Villa first team players
Two hour filming window
Filmed at Villa Park
Delivered in 16:9, 1:1 and 9:16 formats
A Partnership With Limited Access
Aston University’s partnership with Aston Villa Football Club includes one annual opportunity for player access.
That window is fixed and limited to two hours.
The university understood the commercial and reputational weight of that access. This was not routine content production. It was a high visibility brand activation involving one of the most recognised football clubs in the world.
The content needed to represent Aston Villa with credibility while reinforcing Aston University’s positioning without overpowering the partnership.
A Deliberate Creative Direction
From the outset, Aston University made a strategic decision to centre the club within the narrative.
The creative concept focused on the discipline and perseverance required to reach elite level football, drawing a direct parallel with the student journey at Aston University.
Preparation, focus and progression formed the thematic backbone.
The university’s “Learn by Doing” positioning was integrated through structure and message, rather than overt institutional branding.
By prioritising Aston Villa’s presence, the university strengthened the partnership itself.
Execution Under Constraint
Access to three players and key areas of Villa Park, including the tunnel, changing rooms and pitch, was limited to a two hour filming window.
The final deliverable required a 30 second feature suitable for web and social distribution across multiple formats.
There was no margin for uncertainty.
The storyboard was defined in advance, ensuring every sequence served a clear narrative purpose. Preparation shots, tunnel walk moments and final pitch presence were mapped before filming began.
Because the direction was established early, the production ran with control and focus inside the restricted timeframe.
A Premium Digital Asset
The final feature was delivered in wide, square and tall formats, including captioned versions to support digital performance.
Both Aston University and Aston Villa were very pleased with the result.
The club was positioned with respect. The university’s message was integrated with confidence. The partnership was presented with balance.
A limited annual activation became a durable digital asset aligned to both brands.
What This Demonstrates
Aston University approached this partnership with clarity and intent.
They recognised that strong collaborations are strengthened when both brands are elevated, and that access to elite environments demands preparation and discipline.
When opportunity is limited and visibility is high, structure determines outcome.
We outline our full approach to focused, high impact projects here.