The Everton Under-23 manager, David Unsworth, has signed his entire squad up to take part in a sleepout at Goodison Park in aid of a homeless charity.
Everton in the Community (EitC) have organised the Goodison Sleepout on 25 November to raise money for vulnerable people across Liverpool. The under-23s will be joined by fans and business partners in sleeping in the Park End Stand.
Joe Royle, the former Everton player and manager, will join Unsworth and his assistant coach John Ebbrell at the event to “share Everton stories from years gone by”, while the EitC executive chair, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, will explain the work the charity does.
“Having worked closely with Everton in the Community over the years I am well aware of the fantastic work that we do in supporting vulnerable and underprivileged people across Liverpool,” said Unsworth, who played for Everton more than 300 times and temporarily took charge of the first team after Roberto Martínez’s sacking earlier this year.
“Together we can play a big part in helping to raise awareness of homelessness and myself and my team are committed to making a contribution to supporting these individuals when they hit difficult times.
“Looking after the homeless is the right thing to do. Everyone should have a roof over their heads and everyone should have the right opportunities available to them when they are struggling. In my role and in their role as an aspiring Under-23 player, we have a responsibility to reach out and help those in need.”
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said captain Jonjoe Kenny. “Everyone deserves a chance in life and at times we don’t realise just how lucky we are so it’ll be great for us to get involved and give back. I think there might be a few lads who might get a bit cold on the night but it’s all for a great cause so we will give it a good go!”
