Armed Forces Representatives Given Special Surprise On Stadium Tour

A group of armed forces veterans and representatives from the Tri-Service Toffees supporters’ club enjoyed an afternoon to remember at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ahead of Everton's Remembrance fixture against Fulham.

The servicemen and women were given a tour of the new waterfront stadium – and there was a special surprise at the culmination of the trip.

With the group preparing to gather for photographs on the pitch, Men’s Senior Team stars James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Dwight McNeil walked in to chat and spend some time with the party.

The group will all return to the stadium on Saturday to be part of Everton’s 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."

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, Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Billy Elder 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 Club's 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 9 November, KO 2.30pm) 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 here. 

Fans are asked to get to their seats early ahead of Saturday’s kick-off to ensure they can observe the period of silence respectfully.