Tait Reveals Growing 'Buzz' And Under-21s' Plan For Test Event

Excitement is building in the Everton Under-21s squad ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated test event at Everton Stadium.

A minimum of 25,000 supporters will descend on our new home for the event which will see Paul Tait’s team take on a Bolton Wanderers ‘B’ side (2pm kick-off).

>>> Click here for all of the key information on Sunday's second test event at Everton Stadium

It follows the historic first test event which saw our Under-18s take on Wigan Athletic in front of 10,000 fans.

These planned test events will allow the Club to obtain the necessary licence and safety certificates to operate the stadium at its full capacity of 52,888 from when it officially opens ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Under-21s are pushing for a play-off spot in Premier League 2 and are currently sat 14th, with the top 16 in the table advancing to the knock-out rounds.

A narrow defeat to Arsenal at The Big Help Stadium last week followed back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion as well as a draw over second-placed Fulham.

But now attentions turn to this Sunday and Under-21s Head Coach Tait is sure that will provide the players with a huge lift in training in what will be a huge moment for players, staff and families alike.

“There's a real buzz as we get closer and we’re preparing,” Tait told evertonfc.com.

“The lads were looking on a little bit enviously when the Under-18s got the first test event, so they have all been champing at the bit to get to Bramley-Moore Dock.

“(It’s the same for) staff as well. It’s going to be a fantastic occasion for them and their families to get on that turf and play in front of a crowd of 25-30,000, we're hearing.

“It will be just a fantastic experience, something that they will never forget for the rest of their lives.”

Winger Coby Ebere was forced off in the second half of the Arsenal defeat last Friday, with Tait confirming after the match that the winger had picked up a “little tweak”.

The Under-21s have had to juggle the squad due to injuries throughout the season but Tait is keen to ensure all of his available squad get minutes on the day.

“I’ve already told them that they'll all play,” said Tait. “So however long we play, they'll all get some minutes on the pitch.

“It's only fair, and I've actually got a couple of lads who've been injured and they're fit next week.

“They're all queueing up together together on that pitch, so they’re looking forward to it.”