Villa Park to host FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea

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Villa Park will host this season's FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea, it has been confirmed.

The curtain-raiser for the new season will take place at Aston Villa's ground the day after the Olympic football final at Wembley - which is the reason the national stadium is not being used.

Alex Horne, FA general secretary, said: "Villa Park is one of English football's most iconic grounds and has a wonderful tradition of hosting some of the game's biggest matches.

"Once we knew the Olympic football schedule, we worked hard to secure a suitable alternative venue for The FA Community Shield 2012 and are delighted that Aston Villa have agreed to host the season's traditional curtain-raiser."

PA