LAP OF APPRECIATION
At the conclusion of Saturday’s game, Everton players, management and backroom staff will join in a lap of appreciation around Goodison Park.
The players will leave the pitch at the full-time whistle and emerge soon after to show their thanks for the fans’ support over the past 10 months.
We respectfully remind supporters that pitch encroachment is a public order offence, and ask that you remain in your seats at the end of the game.
Please see, below, other key information for supporters attending Saturday’s fixture against Sheffield United at Goodison Park (kick-off 3pm).
HOLMES AND BUSBY TO BE REMEMBERED
Ahead of kick-off, Everton will pay tribute to Paul Holmes and Viv Busby, who sadly passed away this week.
Defender Holmes, who joined the Club from Birmingham City in 1993 and made 28 appearances, was just 56 years of age and passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
Former coach Busby was part of Howard Kendall’s management team during the Blues legend’s third spell in charge at Goodison Park in 1997/98.
A period of applause will take place after the warm-up and prior to the players taking to the field.
INSIDE MATTERS
Everton will join all Premier League clubs in promoting the Inside Matters mental health campaign this weekend.
The campaign highlights the importance of discussing mental health and coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May).
Inside Matters urges fans to check in on each other and start a conversation around mental health, following new research carried out by the Premier League, which found that 84% of football fans believe that football helps to start conversations.
More than two thirds (68%) stated that they would talk to friends they see in a football setting about their mental health - rising to 83% of young men aged 18-34.
Everton in the Community is proud to have been providing mental health and wellbeing support to fans and the wider community since 2008, when it became the first Premier League community scheme to have a dedicated mental health programme, Imagine Your Goals, which still runs to this day.
In March 2023, the charity opened the doors of The People's Place, a purpose-built mental health and wellbeing hub located just a short distance from Goodison Park. The People's Place houses the charity's bespoke mental health projects, designed to support all members of the community, whilst its 60+ programmes also have access to deliver from the hub.
For more information about Everton in the Community’s support for mental health and how you can access it, click here.
MATCHDAY FLAGS AND MICHAEL JONES TRIBUTE
A series of flags will again be displayed from the upper tier of the Howard Kendall Gwladys St End, including an end-of-season tribute to Michael Jones. Evertonian Michael sadly lost his life in August of last year, while working on the Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
IN THE FAN ZONE
The Fan Zone will be open at the Park End of Goodison Park from 12pm.
The live show, commencing at 1.15pm, will be hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould and there will be a performance on stage from Mason Owens.
Catering units will be on-site with hot and cold refreshments, while the Fan Zone also boasts a large, covered seating area where supporters can seek refuge should any inclement weather set in!
Please note: No pyrotechnics (smoke canisters or flares) will be allowed in the Fan Zone.
TRY THE PARK END KITCHEN AND HOMEBAKED BAKERY
Why not warm up for the match with a hot fresh meal from our Park End Kitchen?
The distinctive Royal Blue-branded food outlet, which was established following discussions with the Fans’ Forum, can be found in the Fan Zone behind the Sir Philip Carter Park Stand.
It serves a range of tasty dishes that differ from your traditional football stadium food offering, including Salt ‘n’ Pepper Fries topped with peppers, red onion and coriander, and a Katsu Chicken Curry.
Burger lovers are well catered for and can choose from a classic or gourmet chicken burger, while vegan supporters can enjoy a burger consisting of a Quorn buttermilk pattie topped with mild cheese and served with a tomato relish.
Also in the Fan Zone, the Homebaked Bakery offers fans the chance to sample the famous Homebaked Scouse Pie, the award-winning Vegan Scouse Pie, as well as Everton-themed pies The Blue (Steak & Stilton) and The Trinity Pie, in honour of Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey and Alan Ball.
HERITAGE SOCIETY @ ST LUKE’S
The Heritage Society’s matchday exhibition will be open upstairs in St Luke’s Church from 12pm.
Take your chance to see rare Everton photographs and memorabilia and check out the various stalls selling t-shirts, prints, books, crafts and matchday programmes from down the years.
DROP IN AND TALK TO THE FAN ADVISORY BOARD
Supporters can meet and chat with members of Everton’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) upstairs in St Luke’s Church ahead of this fixture.
The drop-in sessions give Blues an opportunity to learn more about the FAB’s work, talk about anything Everton-related, and/or pass on any issues or feedback you would like them to raise with Club representatives.
FAB members will be in attendance from 12.30pm and no appointment is needed.
If you’d like to contact the FAB outside of a matchday, you can do so by emailing FAB@EFC-FanAdvisoryBoard.com
SUPPORTERS' CODE OF CONDUCT / REPORTING DISCRIMINATION
Everton Football Club has a strict, zero-tolerance approach to all incidents of discrimination and disorder.
We remind supporters that all perpetrators of public order offences, which includes racist or discriminatory behaviour, pitch encroachment and the throwing of objects and/or the use of any form of pyrotechnics (including smoke grenades, smoke bombs/canisters and flares) will receive lengthy stadium bans, potential police investigation and further possible legal sanctions.
Flags must not contain anything considered to be offensive, discriminatory, or inflammatory, including politically motivated or nationalistic messaging. In line with Premier League guidance, supporters are advised that Israeli or Palestinian flags will not be permitted to be displayed at Premier League fixtures for the foreseeable future.
The Club has reaffirmed its commitment to football’s collective stance in tackling anti-social and criminal behaviour at matches and is required to work with the authorities to identify any individuals who take part in unacceptable behaviour.
If you witness any form of unsavoury or anti-social behaviour, harassment, or discrimination at a match, please report it.
This can be done by speaking to a Club steward or a police officer or using Everton’s dedicated confidential reporting lines. Supporters can report any incidents to the Stadium Safety Team immediately by texting HELP and details of what has been witnessed and where to 84300, or by emailing reportit@evertonfc.com.
SAFEGUARDING
Please note, the Club has increased the age of minors needing adult supervision to 14. All fans under 14 should, therefore, be accompanied by an adult.
Everton Football Club is committed to providing a positive, inclusive experience for all individuals who engage with the Everton Family.
If you have a concern about your own safety or the safety or welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk, you can contact us at safeguarding@evertonfc.com.
For more information, click here.
CALVERT-LEWIN INTERVIEW IN MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
An exclusive interview with Everton’s No.9, Dominic Calvert-Lewin headlines the final official matchday programme of the 2023/24 season, while Idrissa Gana Gueye is the focus of an in-depth Q&A.
Supporters can also hear from manager Sean Dyche and Club captain Seamus Coleman as they preview the visit of Sheffield United while reflecting on a complicated campaign.
Elsewhere, ex-midfielder Martin Dobson discusses memories from his Blues career in the former player interview, and Bosnia international Muhamed Bešiç – who played for both Everton and the Blades – picks his ultimate six-a-side team using three teammates from either side.
Jordan Pickford reveals all about his food tastes in The Menu, while Academy graduate Lewis Warrington explains how he would shape his ideal matchday in The Takeover.
GET YOUR MESSAGE ON GOODISON’S BIG SCREENS
Whether you’re visiting Goodison for the first time or are a regular attendee, you could make your day that extra bit special by using #EFCMatchday.
Simply post a message on social media using that hashtag and it could be shared on the screens inside the stadium and in the Fan Zone before kick-off, or at half-time.
For more information on how to get your message on screen, click here.
*Please note - messages are moderated and not all messages posted using the hashtag can be shown.
DONATE TO FANS SUPPORTING FOODBANKS
Fans Supporting Foodbanks and their unmissable purple vehicle will be in the Fan Zone all season on matchdays. They will be accessible from Goodison Road.
Match attending Blues are encouraged to donate non-perishable goods and a variety of dry products, such as rice or pasta, tinned foods (including tomatoes and tuna) or non-perishable packets such as breakfast cereals, biscuits, long life milk, coffee, tea, fruit juice, sugar, and snack bars.
Toiletries and children’s nappies are also gratefully received.
Click here to learn more about the work of Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
HEAD TO THE BLUE BASE BEFORE AND AFTER THE GAME
The Blue Base will be open for pre-and post-match food and drink.
The hub, on nearby Salop Street, features a fully licensed bar offering competitive prices, alongside a high-quality matchday food menu that includes vegetarian alternatives.
With four giant TV screens and a projector, and children welcome, the Blue Base is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed matchday atmosphere.
What’s more, all proceeds go directly to helping the Club’s official charity, Everton in the Community!
MATCHDAY BUNDLE OFFER
Our official catering partner, Sodexo, have the below offers, available from gates opening:
- Buy one pint/bottle of Carling lager and receive your second half price
- Buy a standard pie and receive a free hot drink
- Family Enclosure only: Buy a sausage roll and receive a free hot drink or bottle of water
Note: This offer is available up until 30 minutes after the gates open
CASHLESS EXPERIENCE AT GOODISON PARK
Please be advised that Goodison Park is a cashless stadium – contactless and/or chip and pin payments are required in all areas.
