On the eve of the Florida Cup, Everton Orlando Supporters' Club opened the doors of its regular meeting place - the Harp & Celt Irish Pub & Restaurant - to host a welcome party for hundreds of Blues who have travelled in from across North America.
Everton will take on Colombian giants Millonarios at Camping World Stadium in the final of the Florida Cup on Sunday (6pm EST/11pm BST), before playing a friendly with Mexican side Pumas on Wednesday (6pm EST/11pm BST).
This year's Florida Cup will see Everton play in North America for the first time since 2013, with further fan activities and events planned in the coming days, including a celebration of USMNT and Everton hero Tim Howard that will be attended by the man himself.
Saturday's welcome event also saw musical entertainment from ToffeeTrio from the Delaware Evertonians, while a host of Everton giveaways were snapped up by those in attendance.
Andrew Hicks, a Blues historian and member of Everton Orlando Supporters' Club, said: “It has been a great event and we’re so proud to welcome Evertonians from all over the US to the place we watch the Blues play.
"It has been an incredible turnout and there are so many people here who have been speaking online for years but only met in person for the first time today.
“We’re looking forward to the game tomorrow as we swap the atmosphere of the Harp & Celt for seeing the team play live in the US for the first time in eight years at Camping World Stadium.”
Everton boasts an ever-growing network of US Supporters' Clubs, who gather regularly to watch the team's matches and also organise fundraisers for local causes and Everton's official club charity, Everton in the Community. To discover your nearest Everton Supporters' Clubs and to find out how to join, click here.
Tony Sampson, International representative on the Everton Fans’ Forum and member of the Chicago Evertonians, said: “There is no better sight than seeing Evertonians getting together. We have people who have travelled from the West Coast covering thousands of miles, Blues doing road trips over a number of days and fans catching planes, trains and automobiles to watch the team play.
"Tonight has been a great kick-off event for what is going to be an exciting and enjoyable week for US Evertonians.”
Tickets for both matchdays at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium are still available and can be purchased here.
