Mason Holgate has surprised a young fan from Chicago who, due to the coronavirus lockdown, missed out on a competition prize of a lifetime to watch his beloved Blues for the first time.

Ten-year-old Max Hund and his dad Chris, from Grayslake, Illinois, were due to fly to the UK in March to see Everton play city rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park on 16 March, after winning the Club’s Ultimate Everton Experience competition.

However, the trip had to be cancelled after the travel ban and the suspension of the Premier League season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Max and Chris, who are part of the Chicago Evertonians Supporters’ Club, received a call this week from Holgate, who asked how they were doing under lockdown and reassured them that they would be welcome to see Everton play as soon as it was safe to do so – with Mason also inviting the two to meet him in person when they finally make it over for a game.

Watch their call in the video above or by clicking here.

Max and Chris had a bumper weekend of activities lined up in the city, including a Goodison Park stadium and Club HQ tour, a city tour and a day exploring landmarks connected to The Beatles. They were also set to visit the Club’s charity, Everton in the Community, which has launched the Blue Family campaign to support vulnerable and isolated individuals during the coronavirus lockdown.

Max, who plays for under-11s football team FC 1974, told Mason how he is keeping up his daily soccer training, staying in touch with his friends online, and perfecting his skills on FIFA.

Meanwhile, dad Chris told Mason about the strong community of Chicago Evertonians and how Chris and his friends are so dedicated to supporting the Blues that they often meet up at 5.30am to watch matches live. Chris also told Mason how he and Max became Everton supporters, and how they were attracted to the Club due to its unique relationship with its fans, and its commitment to the wider community through its award-winning charity, Everton in the Community.

Chris and fellow Chicago Evertonians Supporters’ Club members have previously raised more than $3,000 in funds for the charity.

Max said: "It was such a cool experience. It was really awesome to talk with an actual Everton player that I am going to meet when I go to England!"

Chris said: “It was wonderful for us to speak to Mason – he was a really nice guy. Max plays as a defender, and he was really excited to speak to a player who plays in the same position as him.

“Although we were upset at not being able to travel to the UK, it was wonderful to be reminded that we, as well as all Everton’s international fans, are part of the Everton Family – even more so in these circumstances. We know that football will return at some point but people’s health and wellbeing is the priority now.

“Mason said that it sounds like we have found the right Club for us – and he is right. We are both very proud to be Evertonians.

“Mason described what it is like to be at Goodison Park on a matchday. We can’t wait to experience that atmosphere in a full stadium and to meet Mason in person when the time is right.”

Holgate has joined Everton stars past and present in making a a string of surprise calls to fans across the US, as the Club extends its Blue Family campaign to ensure supporters in America remain connected with the Blues throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Everton fans in Atlanta, San Diego, Florida, New York and Chicago have so far received calls from Holgate, Michael Keane, Graeme Sharp and David Unsworth.

The Everton Fans’ Forum, which now has international representation, worked alongside the Club’s Fan Engagement Team to identify US supporters impacted by the pandemic.

Keane called Mary Frisella from San Diego, who usually drives 40 miles every week with her family to meet up with the San Diego Toffees Supporters’ Club. Mary cares for her disabled son who is subject to increased risk from COVID-19.

Reacting to the surprise call, and sharing her experience on Facebook, Mary said: “I’ve seen posts of calls from players…but for them to reach out to me in San Diego? Wow. I’m still in kind of shock. They truly are the People’s Club.”

Keane also called Mike and Vicky Trakan from Chicago, who were also due to attend the Merseyside derby in March – on what would have been their first ever trip to Goodison.

The couple got off a plane bound for the UK after President Trump announced the initial travel ban to Europe. They were unable to recoup any costs from the airline but, just a few hours later, it was announced that all English football had been suspended as a result of coronavirus.

Mike, Chair of the Chicago Evertonians Supporters’ Club, said: “The call was great – Michael Keane is a truly friendly and good guy.

"It meant a lot to share personal experiences with him about how we and the rest of the Chicago Evertonians are getting by without our weekend football."

Everton Ambassador and the Club’s leading post-war goalscorer Sharp spoke to James Rogers, an integral member of the NYC Evertonians and active contributor to its fundraising and community activities, while FA Cup winner and current Everton Under-23s Manager Unsworth called Mia Sanchez, a paramedic and firefighter who, as a frontline worker, has been supporting local COVID-19 efforts in Miami, Florida. 

Unsworth also spoke to Everton supporter Kat Tate, who runs the Limerick pub, the venue where Atlanta Blues meet to watch the Blues and hold events for Everton in the Community and other charities. The pub has been significantly impacted by the lack of business during the crisis.

Tony Sampson, who leads the International Project Group for the Everton Fans’ Forum said: “As a lifelong Blue who has lived in the UK and now in the USA, I have experienced being part of the Everton Family both close to home and abroad, and I know just how much those calls will mean to the recipients.

“The Everton Fans’ Forum was delighted to work alongside the Club’s Fan Engagement Team in coordinating the effort to identify US fans impacted by the pandemic.

"It is now more important than ever that Evertonians, wherever they are in the world, feel connected to each other and the Club, and the Fans’ Forum is proud to play a part in that.”

Scott McLeod, Head of Engagement and Communications at Everton, added: “The Everton Family is global - and we are lucky to have such a dedicated international fanbase. Our US fans go to great lengths to follow us – from early mornings and late nights, to driving vast distances to meet up with fellow supporters – and we really appreciate that.

“It has been inspiring to hear how our fans across America are looking after each other at this difficult time.

“I’ve also been delighted to see so many fans in the US engaging with the Blue Family campaign to help Evertonians stay connected, and even donating to the important work we are doing in our home city of Liverpool – I can’t thank them all enough for that.

“I hope that these calls are helping raise spirits and let our fans across the Atlantic know that no matter how far they are from Goodison Park, they are still a key part of the Everton Family – and we will come through this together.”