Last weekend some of the families we support had a very special day out. They were invited along to Everton Football Club to lead the players out onto the pitch before the match. Everton kindly understood that all the buzz and commotion of a big match day would be too much for some young people, and so they also offered us the opportunity to attend a training session at Finch Farm.
The players were so friendly with all the kids and were happy to take pictures and sign footballs for everyone. During this exclusive meet and greet the children were able to meet the entire first team – coming face to face with your heroes is a very big deal! The nature of acquired brain injury can mean that attending a full match day, or leading players out onto the pitch is very challenging for some children – so meeting the players at Finch Farm meant that everyone could join in on an equal footing.
As one Dad said “it was a real dream come true!”
“Wow look at this video on the Everton site our special two days, wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing daughter Isla and the amazing Maria for everything she and the Child Brain Injury Trust have done for us and Everton FC”
“Boss little snippet of our Isla and Sam coming on pitch Sunday 💙💙💙 proud of Isla, just over a year ago she couldn’t walk or swallow her food. She is a big inspiration to me and a strong, wonderful little girl”
Maria our ABI Coordinator from the North West was there on the day
“The feedback from families has been overwhelming. It was extremely emotional 2 days and something I will remember forever”
We would like to thank Everton Football Club for this amazing opportunity and for being so welcoming and accommodating to everyone.