Hospice's name on Villa shirts for European match

The Acorns logo will be on the club's shirts for the game against Ajax on Thursday

A children's hospice will appear on the front of Aston Villa's shirts in their Europa Conference League last-16 tie against Ajax on Thursday.

Acorns will feature because Villa's main shirt sponsor, betting firm BK8, cannot be used due to Dutch advertising regulations, the Express & Star first reported.

The hospice's name previously adorned the club's shirts between 2008 and 2010.

Acorns said it was "especially thrilled" to appear during Villa's 150th anniversary year.

First-team players and management have made regular visits to the hospice during the build-up to Christmas and Easter to distribute presents to children.

The club said on their previous game in the Netherlands earlier in the competition, a 4-1 win at AZ Alkmaar in October, they wore the branding of the club's own charity Aston Villa Foundation on the front of the shirts.

Villa were "extremely pleased that we'll be able to carry Acorns' message in a similar way".

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Ahead of the first leg of the tie in Amsterdam, which kicks off at 17:45 GMT, the hospice said it was "extremely honoured" to see the logo and was "deeply touched by this incredible gesture of support".

It expressed "sincere and heartfelt thanks" to Villa and the fans for their dedication to Acorns.

The hospice' s chief executive, Trevor Johnson, said: "Being showcased on such a grand stage not only raises awareness of Acorns but also shines a spotlight on our care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions on a platform watched by millions across Europe.

"Exposure of this magnitude not only highlights our lifeline care and support but will also help us reach even more families in need."