Club Ambassador Ian Snodin and Goodison favourite Joe Parkinson made a special trip to MSB Woolton Football Club to celebrate Everton’s inclusion in the successful EURO 2028 bid.
The UK and Ireland were today confirmed as joint hosts for the tournament in five years’ time.
And after Everton Stadium was formally announced as one of ten venues across five countries to stage games in the prestigious tournament, youngsters from Woolton showed their delight.
Snodin said: “It’s fantastic news for the football club, but also the wider city and the people of Merseyside, especially young footballers like these.
“Europe’s top players will be coming to this country and the competition gives a great opportunity for youngsters from all over the region to see the best in action.
“The news that Everton Stadium will be hosting some of these games is a real feather in the cap for everyone concerned and I’m sure it will be a real spectacle.”
Parkinson, whose daughter April plays for MSB Woolton U13s and coaches at the club, added: “It’s just fantastic and the community are made up at today’s news.
“As Evertonians, for a fantastic stadium to be recognised and have international games in there is amazing.
“It looks absolutely stunning already and what a setting, right by the River Mersey, to have a new stadium. We just can’t wait to get in there now and this news is the icing on the cake.”
Bid partners have already invested or committed more than £500 million (€567 million) between 2019 and 2025 to improve and upgrade grassroots facilities.
A further £45 million (€51 million) legacy fund is to be invested to develop football and create additional socio-economic benefits.
This will help to deliver increased participation and related health and social benefits – especially for communities from under-represented groups and deprived areas – in addition to educating and creating positive opportunities for children and young people, engaging 10,000 schools and 1,000,000 individuals, in areas such as sustainability and mental health.
MSB Woolton lay claim to being the largest grassroots club in Europe, with an incredible 151 teams at their Camp Hill base in south Liverpool, ranging from Under-4s to Under-17s, multiple girls and women’s, disabled and veterans’ teams, and 284 volunteers helping to ensure things run smoothly.
Colin Windrow, Club Manager at MSB Woolton, said: “It was fabulous to welcome Ian and Joe, who were armed with some flags and scarves to celebrate the news.
“There’s a strong bond between us and Everton Football Club and so many of our players are supporters, so to have Euro 2028 games played at Everton Stadium will be fantastic for the whole region."
