Supporters across North America have the opportunity to select the second-ever winner of an award that celebrates Everton’s historic and present ties with the USA or Canada.
The ‘Everton North American All Star Award’ will recognise the contributions of players, coaches and managers that have represented the Blues and have a connection with or hail from the continent.
Tomasz Radzinski, Sam Chedgzoy, Steve Seargeant and Adrian Heath are the nominees for 2022, with the winner due to be decided by a fan vote. To learn more about each nominee please click here.
All members of affiliated North American Everton Supporters’ Clubs are eligible to vote and will be emailed and asked to make their choice before the voting period ends on Wednesday 13 July. The winner will be announced at an event as part of the activities taking place during the Club’s pre-season tour of the United States which will see Everton take on Arsenal in Baltimore, Maryland and then visit Minnesota United in Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota.
The four individuals were nominated by an advisory committee made up of key supporters’ group figures, members of the Everton Fans’ Forum, fan media, historians and also representation from within Everton Football Club itself.
Former goalkeeper Tim Howard was the winner of the inaugural award last year as he was celebrated during Everton’s successful Florida Cup trip.
The Club has long boasted strong connections to the US and Canada, with more than 150 individuals making a contribution to Everton’s history over many decades.
Tony Sampson, Chair of the Everton Fans’ Forum and a member of the Chicago Evertonians, said: “It is great to see Everton coming back to the US this summer and for the North American All Star Awards to return. The committee have worked hard to establish the award which is becoming an annual summer tradition.
“Through the North American Supporters’ Club Network and the North American All Stars Committee we have been keen to build on the connections between Everton and North America and pay tribute to those who have played an important role in making Everton one of the most recognised and highly regarded Premier League teams on the continent.
“We have a group of worthy nominees and this is a brilliant way for Blues from around the world to learn about the people who have played a part in creating the special links between Everton and North America. I’d like to thank the Club for partnering with us to provide an additional level of support and exposure as we build on the success of last year in Orlando.”
Dr David France, OBE, who last year was the first ever winner of the “Trailblazer All Star Award” , in recognition of the significant contribution he has made in developing Everton’s presence and connections in North America, said: "With the easing of COVID restrictions and the lifting of the blue smoke from a difficult season, I look forward to meeting old and new friends from both sides of the Atlantic in my adopted homeland.
"Last year, the events in Florida, expertly organised by the US supporters’ clubs and Everton Football Club’s Fan Engagement team were memorable for their passion and confirmed the special relationship between Merseyside’s senior Club and the New World”
For supporters wishing to learn more about Everton’s links with North America, Dr France co-authored a 600 page book, ToffeeSoccer, with Darren Griffiths and Rob Sawyer containing expertly researched profiles, candid interviews and unique illustrations of men and women who have made an impact on Everton and across the Atlantic.
Tickets for both of Everton’s games in the USA are still available to purchase. More information on both of the Blues fixtures is available by visiting evertonfc.com/usa2022.
For any Evertonians interested in joining a Supporters' Club please click here to search our directory and find the nearest club to you wherever you are in the world.
Blues interested in setting up their own Supporters' Club can find out more information on how by clicking here.
