Everton player Michael Keane meets Armed Forces veterans at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton player Michael Keane meets Armed Forces veterans at Hill Dickinson Stadium
A group of Armed Forces veterans and representatives from the Tri-Service Toffees supporters’ club enjoyed a special visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of Everton's Remembrance fixture against Fulham. The servicemen and women were given a tour of the 52,769 capacity venue on the Mersey waterfront and there was a special surprise at the culmination of the trip.
With the group preparing to gather for photographs on the pitch, first team players , Michael Keane and walked in to chat and spend some time with the party. The group will now all return to the stadium on Saturday to be part of annual tribute to the fallen.
Joseph Sadler, representing the Tri-Service Toffees, an official supporters' club for serving members and veterans of the UK Armed Forces (Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force) and Merchant Navy who support Everton Football Club, said: “It was a fantastic day, hosted fantastically and well worth the long journey up from my home in Aldershot.
“And I can't lie, it was a nice surprise to see the players walk out at the end of the day. They’re fantastic lads and it was great to catch up with them.”
Terry Stockdale, a participant of Everton in the Community’s veterans’ programme, added: “The whole day has been brilliant. I've been to matches here but I've never been behind the scenes like today so it was a real eye-opener.
“It will be an incredibly proud moment to be part of the first Remembrance tribute at this stadium.”
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Everton players will wear poppy shirts for Saturday’s match as part of the club's support for the Royal British Legion during the Remembrance period. The players will also participate in a minute's silence before kick-off to honour the sacrifices of those who served and bugler Sergeant Andy Manning will play the Last Post.
Joining them will be Army-Warrant Officer Class 1 Stephen McCann and RAF-Flight Sergeant Mathew Hollis, Peter McPartland of the Merchant Navy, flag bearers Kenneth Malam and Mathew Griffiths, representatives from the Tri-Service Toffees and ex-service personnel from Everton in the Community’s veterans’ initiative. At half-time, Army Lieutenant Colonel Barry Edwards and RAF Sergent Patrick Carroll will try their luck in the Everton 'Hit the Bar' challenge.
This activity reflects the Blues' commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and raising awareness about the importance of their contributions.
Match-worn and match-issued shirts from the Fulham fixture, last Monday’s game at Sunderland and Everton Women’s home match against Manchester City (Sunday November 9, 2.30pm kick-off) will be auctioned in aid of the Poppy Appeal, raising vital funds to support veterans and their families. To find out more, or to bid on a shirt, click .
Everton Women will pay tribute to the Armed Forces during their Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday 9 November (2.30pm kick-off) – with free tickets offered to serving military personnel as part of the Club’s annual Remembrance fixtures.
In recognition of their service, members of the Armed Forces are invited to attend free of charge, with tickets available via Tickets For Troops.
Service personnel can check their eligibility for Tickets For Troops membership by .
Those eligible can then register , before accessing Everton Women tickets directly
Everton player James Tarkowski meets Armed Forces veterans at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton player James Tarkowski meets Armed Forces veterans at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton players with Armed Forces veterans and representatives on the pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton players with Armed Forces veterans and representatives on the pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Armed Forces veterans and representatives in the Everton dressing room at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Armed Forces veterans and representatives in the Everton dressing room at Hill Dickinson Stadium