Goodison Park to host the final ever Sleepout

Everton in the Community will host its final-ever Goodison Sleepout this autumn, providing supporters with the last chance to brave the elements while spending the night at Goodison Park.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the charity will host the ultimate version of one of its most well-liked events. Those who want to make lifelong memories at the Grand Old Lady while contributing to the ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ campaign of Everton in the Community are encouraged to register in advance.

The news follows the club’s announcement last month that the 2024–2025 season will mark its final one at Goodison Park before it moves to its new waterfront location at Bramley–Moore Dock.

It only costs £25 to secure a spot, and the charity is challenging participants to raise £134 or more to mark the 134 years of Goodison Park. This event is a major fundraiser for the charitable arm of Everton Football Club.

Since it was held for the first time eight years ago in an effort to fight youth homelessness and poverty throughout the Liverpool City Region, the Goodison Sleepout has come to be synonymous with Everton in the Community supporters.

Former Everton Academy Director and Under-23s manager, David Unsworth led a campaign in 2016 to help Everton in the Community fund a dedicated programme which would support young people who are on the cusp of homelessness.

The entire Under-23 team participated in the event in 2016, and they did so again in the years that followed until 2019 when Everton in the Community was able to launch the ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ programme that summer thanks to the funds that were raised.

Everton Women’s first team took part in the event for the first time in 2020, and it was repeated in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Each year, funds were raised for the program’s upkeep and development, which has so far assisted in preventing 62 young people from becoming homeless.

In addition to giving these young people who are at risk a secure place to live, the residence has helped them stay on track by offering specialised outreach support that has made it possible for them to locate jobs, training programmes, and educational opportunities. Numerous residents, both past and present, have benefited from the acquisition of important life skills, financial management advice, assistance in repairing damaged family ties, and support for their mental and physical health.

The final instalment of the Goodison Sleepout is set to be a sentimental evening filled with nostalgia as Everton in the Community and its sleepout supporters bid farewell to the Grand Old Lady.

Sarah Hunter, Fundraising Manager at Everton in the Community, said:

“This year’s Goodison Sleepout is certainly going to be an emotional one, marking the final time our supporters will be able to come together to celebrate one of the charity’s most significant fundraising events.

“The wonderful support we have received from the sleepout’s loyal following over the years has been truly overwhelming, and we hope they’ll all be joining us again in October – along with new faces – for what will be the last opportunity to take part at Goodison Park.”

To be part of the final chance to camp out in the Sir Philip Carter Park end of the stands, register here.