An Aston Villa XI will travel to Croud Meadow to face Shrewsbury Town in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, 1 August.
The Aston Villa XI friendly was included in the agreement that saw goalkeeper Sam Proctor join the League One club on a season-long loan.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm as both clubs continue preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
Shrewsbury confirmed the fixture on Friday, explaining that the two clubs agreed to meet during pre-season as part of Proctor’s temporary move.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper joined Salop earlier this month for his first full season in senior football. ReadAstonVilla previously examined why Villa sanctioned Proctor’s loan to Shrewsbury, where he will compete for regular first-team minutes.
Adult tickets are priced at £10, with concessions available for seniors and younger supporters. Children under seven can attend free of charge.
Why the Aston Villa XI friendly suits Villa’s academy plan
Villa have not confirmed which players will travel to Shropshire. However, the fixture should provide valuable senior opposition for members of the club’s academy and development squads.
Youth football can help players improve technically, but facing an established EFL side offers a different challenge. Villa’s younger players will need to cope with greater physical pressure, quicker transitions and a more experienced opponent.
The match also gives the club another opportunity to assess which prospects are ready for senior loans. A strong performance against Shrewsbury could strengthen a player’s case for regular football elsewhere during the coming season.
Proctor’s move offers a clear example of that pathway. Villa have retained control of his development while giving him the chance to compete for a starting position in the EFL.
The Aston Villa XI friendly also strengthens the relationship between the two clubs. Shrewsbury gain another useful pre-season fixture, while Villa can test their emerging players in a senior environment before finalising further loan decisions.
