Everton in the Community will start Armed Forces Day celebrations early to raise funds
Everton in the Community will start Armed Forces Day celebrations early when they take on the British Army Reserves to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and EITC’s Knowsley Veterans Hub this weekend.
Armed forces day officially takes place in Liverpool on Saturday 24 June, but the Blues’ official charity will play an 11-a-side game a week earlier as fundraising gets underway.
Taking place on Saturday 17 June at Anfield Sports and Community Centre on Breck Road, gates open from 10am and entrance is free in exchange for a suggested donation to both charities. At 11am, Army Reserves Ladies National team will play Merseyrail Bootle Ladies FC before the second game of the day between an EitC XI and an Army Reserves XI will kick-off at 1pm. The second game will be officiated by former Premier League referee Chris Foy.
The day promises to be fun for all the family with an Everton Skill Zone, climbing wall, military displays, entertainment and refreshments.
Armed Forces Day is a chance for people, communities and organisations to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
EITC works all year round to support ex-military personnel from across Merseyside through its Knowsley Veterans’ Hub programme and offers exercise opportunities as well as mentoring and social activity to prevent veterans from feeling isolated.
Launched in February 2016, KVH is funded by the Royal British Legion and aims to engage ex-service personnel who are at risk of isolation with sport, training and social activities.
As well as directly supporting veterans, the programme also stands to benefit the local community with the participants improving their skills, finding employment, avoiding potential anti-social behaviour and reducing their likelihood of ill health.
There are more than 8,500 identified veterans across Knowsley and these figures are continually increasing along with the levels of homelessness, unemployment and substance misuse.
