Formed in March 1874 by members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel in Handsworth, which is now part of Birmingham, Aston Villa is one of the oldest and most storied football clubs in England. The club was established by four chapel-going cricketers who decided to keep fit during the winter months by starting a football team (source). The early years were marked with struggle as they sought recognition amidst financial difficulties.

Achieving some success at local level competitions, AstonVilla got its first taste of glory when it won the inaugural Football League title in 1888-89 under Scottish manager George Ramsay. This marked them as one of the pioneers in English soccer (source).

The period from 1890s to early 1900s could be considered a golden era for Aston Villa. During this time, they clinched six league titles and five FA Cups led by legendary figures like Howard Spencer and Billy Walker (source).

Post World War II saw another surge with players like Danny Blanchflower leading them to their seventh top division title win in 1981 followed immediately by their triumph at European Cup (now UEFA Champions League)in 1982 - an iconic moment that cemented their status amongst Europe's elite clubs(source).

Aston Villa's main rivals are Birmingham City, with whom they contest the "Second City Derby". The rivalry stems from city pride and dates back to their first match in 1879, which Aston Villa won (source). These matches bear a unique atmosphere filled with tension and passion. Any victory over Birmingham is celebrated as if it were a trophy win by the Villans (Villa fans) due to the deep-rooted animosity between both sets of supporters.

Villa Park has been home to Aston Villa since 1897. With a capacity of over 42,000 spectators, it stands as one of England's old-school football grounds rooted in tradition (source). It houses the famous Holte End stand - once Europe’s largest terrace - that serves as the heart-beat during matches adding an extra edge for home advantage.

The fan base comprises people from all walks of life. Notable groups like Brigada 1874 create electrifying atmospheres at games through chants and banners (source). Off pitch traditions include community involvement through charity work under AVFC Foundation(source).

1. Formation in 1874.
2. Winning inaugural Football League title in 1888-89.
3. Securing six league titles and five FA Cups from late 1800s to early 1900s.
4. Seventh top division title win lead by Danny Blanchflower in 1981.
5. Winning European Cup (now UEFA Champions League)in 1982.
6. Victory in the Peace Cup in 2009 - first pre-season tournament win.
7. Beating arch-rivals Birmingham City 5-1 at Villa Park in 2008.
8. Promotion to Premier League after winning Championship playoffs in 2019.
9. Reachinig the final of the Football League Cup four times, latest being in 2020.
10. Staying up on last day of Premier League season (19/20) marking a successful fight against relegation.