Club News Brief
More Than 100 Blues Join 10th Anniversary EitC Stadium Sleepout
2026-10-03
More than 100 Blues spent a memorable night under the stars at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday, as the official charity of Everton Football Club celebrated the 10th anniversary of its life-changing Stadium Sleepout. First launched in 2016, the flagship fundraising event raises vital funds for Everton in the Community’s Home Is Where The Heart Is (HIWTHI) programme. HIWTHI provides at-risk young people with a safe foundation and tailored support to help them rebuild their lives, with assistance spanning housing, finances, mental health and wellbeing. The first EitC Sleepout saw former Under-21s boss and defender David Unsworth, alongside his full squad and coaching staff, spend a night sleeping at Goodison Park in freezing conditions. The event became an annual fixture, with funds raised through the Sleepout helping to purchase a four-bedroom residential home in the heart of L4 in 2018. The property continues to provide young adults facing homelessness with a safe and secure place to stay as they work towards independent living. SUPPORT HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Over the past 10 years, the Sleepouts have raised almost £500,000 for HIWTHI, helping hundreds of young adults across the Liverpool City Region access essential support as they work towards a more positive future. On arrival at Hill Dickinson Stadium, this year’s participants were treated to an acoustic set by local musician and passionate Blue Ryan Rooney before setting up their sleeping bags in the Lower South Stand. Also in attendance were Everton in the Community CEO Sue Gregory, Head of Youth and Support Anthony Harden and HIWTHI Support Workers Russell and Amanda, who shared more about the impact of the programme and the difference supporters’ fundraising makes to young people experiencing homelessness. CEO of Everton in the Community, Sue Gregory said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in our 10th anniversary Stadium Sleepout and to those who generously donated in support of our Home Is Where The Heart Is programme. “Homelessness is one of the most urgent challenges faced by local communities, and your support allows us to provide young people with a safe place to stay and vital support to get back on their feet.” G’wed and The Responder star Philip Shaun McGuinness also took part in the full Sleepout, after visiting the Home Is Where The Heart Is property last month and seeing first-hand how it helps local yoing people. After warming up with tomato soup and bread provided by Aramark and hot drinks, supporters settled down for a night under the stars. The Sleepout came to an end with a hearty breakfast, provided by Rapid Relief Team, before supporters headed home. If you would like to contribute to this year’s Stadium Sleepout fundraising efforts, visit the JustGiving page here.
More than 100 Blues spent a memorable night under the stars at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday, as the official charity of Everton Football Club celebrated the 10th anniversary of its life-changing Stadium Sleepout. First launched in 2016, the flagship fundraising event raises vital funds for Everton in the Community’s Home Is Where The Heart Is (HIWTHI) programme. HIWTHI provides at-risk young people with a safe foundation and tailored support to help them rebuild their lives, with assistance spanning housing, finances, mental health and wellbeing. The first EitC Sleepout saw former Under-21s boss and defender David Unsworth, alongside his full squad and coaching staff, spend a night sleeping at Goodison Park in freezing conditions. The event became an annual fixture, with funds raised through the Sleepout helping to purchase a four-bedroom residential home in the heart of L4 in 2018. The property continues to provide young adults facing homelessness with a safe and secure place to stay as they work towards independent living. SUPPORT HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Over the past 10 years, the Sleepouts have raised almost £500,000 for HIWTHI, helping hundreds of young adults across the Liverpool City Region access essential support as they work towards a more positive future. On arrival at Hill Dickinson Stadium, this year’s participants were treated to an acoustic set by local musician and passionate Blue Ryan Rooney before setting up their sleeping bags in the Lower South Stand. Also in attendance were Everton in the Community CEO Sue Gregory, Head of Youth and Support Anthony Harden and HIWTHI Support Workers Russell and Amanda, who shared more about the impact of the programme and the difference supporters’ fundraising makes to young people experiencing homelessness. CEO of Everton in the Community, Sue Gregory said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in our 10th anniversary Stadium Sleepout and to those who generously donated in support of our Home Is Where The Heart Is programme. “Homelessness is one of the most urgent challenges faced by local communities, and your support allows us to provide young people with a safe place to stay and vital support to get back on their feet.” G’wed and The Responder star Philip Shaun McGuinness also took part in the full Sleepout, after visiting the Home Is Where The Heart Is property last month and seeing first-hand how it helps local yoing people. After warming up with tomato soup and bread provided by Aramark and hot drinks, supporters settled down for a night under the stars. The Sleepout came to an end with a hearty breakfast, provided by Rapid Relief Team, before supporters headed home. If you would like to contribute to this year’s Stadium Sleepout fundraising efforts, visit the JustGiving page here.
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