Everton donated 300 tickets to servicemen and women for Sunday’s thrashing of Sunderland at Goodison Park as part of the Tickets for Troops initiative.
Representatives from many different sections of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces were invited along for the game, which was the last to be held at Goodison before Remembrance Day this Sunday, November 8th.
Poppy wreaths were laid on the centre circle prior to kick off by members of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army and Merchant Navy. This was followed by a minute’s silence in memory of all fallen soldiers.
The Blues went onto trash Sam Allardyce’s struggling Sunderland 6-2 with striker Arouna Kone netting a hat-trick.
Tickets for Troops is a service that aims to provide free tickets to social events for current and former members of the armed forces. It’s available to anyone who is still a serving member or anyone who has been medically discharged since the beginning of the Afghan war in 2001.
Tickets are available for many different types of entertainment events, such as Sports, Theatre, Music and Comedy and it survives solely on the generosity of establishments who offer them free tickets.
Lord Marland, chairman of Tickets for Troops, said the organisation is reliant on donations, saying: “Tickets for Troops continues to benefit from a huge wave of generosity from our ticket donors, patrons and advisory board who provide these fantastic opportunities.
“We are entirely grateful to them for their loyalty and for demonstrating their on-going support towards the marvellous and dedicated men and women of our Armed Forces.”
Tickets for Troops Media Director Rob Jones said the campaign has a close relationship with many Premier League clubs, particularly Everton.
He said: “Every Premier League team has pledged to donate tickets for at least one game this season which is a massive help to us.
“Everton approached us and offered 300 tickets for the Remembrance Sunday game and we were in disbelief. They are always very kind and willing as they are long-term supporters of us and we enjoy a very close relationship.”