Willie Kirk’s Everton Women squad will be supporting Everton in the Community’s ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ project by taking part in next week’s Goodison Sleepout.
Everton Women will join more than 100 supporters who have signed up for the event on Friday 6 March to raise money for the EitC initiative, which supports young people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
International call-ups aside, the full Everton Women squad and backroom staff will grab their sleeping bags and wrap up warm to sleep out in the stands of Goodison Park in a bid to raise vital funds.
Everton Under-23s manager David Unsworth and his squad have been the driving force behind the ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ fundraising campaign since its inception in 2016 and have been staunch supporters of the Goodison Sleepout each year. However, due to the side’s progression in the Premier League Trophy, the team are now unfortunately unable to take part.
On Everton Women participating in the sleepout, manager Kirk said: “As a squad we are committed to supporting the fantastic work that Everton in the Community is delivering in Merseyside every day and we are looking forward to what should be a memorable event for everybody involved.
“We are aware that the event is by no means easy, but it’s a cause that deserves our direct attention, and having already seen the fantastic efforts from David and his Under-23s since the project was launched, we were eager to do our bit and help with the cause.”
The ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ campaign raised more than £240,000 in just under nine months and has seen Everton in the Community purchase and develop a semi-independent five-bedroom house in the heart of the L4 area that houses young people who are at risk of homelessness.
As well as supporting young people with a place to stay, the project also offers outreach support with intervention tailored to support each individual.
Sue Gregory, Director of Youth Engagement at EitC, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have the support of the Football Club and its playing staff in not only helping us to raise vital funds, but to also raise awareness for the project.
“David and his team have been unbelievable in their support of the project over the years and, although unfortunately they won’t be able to attend this year, we know we still have their full support and we are extremely grateful to Willie and his team for signing up and carrying the mantle on behalf of the Club.
“Our ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ house has now been open for 12 months and is already making a considerable impact on its residents, providing a safe haven for young people who are homeless or on the cusp of being homeless, and we’re delighted that Everton Women will be joining us for the first time this year.”
To make a donation to Everton Women’s fundraising efforts, click here: https://www.justgiving.com/gparksleepout?noNewFrp2101=true
