Official Digital Programme - Everton v Aston Villa

MANAGER’S NOTES

BRIAN SORENSEN

Last weekend’s result was one that was tough to accept because we all put so much into the performance, and we were left with nothing. I felt for the girls because they worked so hard throughout the week and especially on the day.

Chelsea put out a very strong team, full of talent, but nevertheless we should have won the game. We did not and that is the learning we need to take.

We always look at the performance because otherwise it gets too emotional, and the performance was a step in the right direction, for sure.

Having spoken to the girls this week, we have all agreed that this is our standard. We grow from here; we do not drop back.

That is our focus, and in football there is always the next game, so we are excited to get back out and show what we are capable of.

Our performances this season have been good, but we have not always got the results we deserved.

In front of goal, it is a collective responsibility on the squad to improve. Every player in the squad is more than capable of putting the ball in the back of the net, and in the crucial moments they need to step up because we need those wins.

The girls agreed with that, and we all know what we need to improve on. I can assure you everyone is giving their maximum to put that right.

Today we are facing an excellent Villa side, built by Carla Ward, that is full of international experience. Even though we have had positive results against Villa so far this season, you can never underestimate them.

Also, just because we had a good performance against Chelsea does not mean we can turn up today with 80 to 90 per cent of that performance. We have to give it our all because if we do not then we will not win.

It is an important game for both teams and they are similar to us in how they have been unlucky with results and injuries this season.

While we respect them, it is on us to take the game to them - play on the front foot, control it and finish our chances.

I know there is excitement amongst supporters ahead of our game at Goodison next week, but today for myself, staff and players that certainly is not in our minds.

Every weekend, every game is super important and we cannot afford to focus on anything but the challenge directly in front of us.

Right now, 100 per cent of our focus is on Villa and if we get things right today then it sets us up for a good week afterwards, of course.

Enjoy the game,

Brian

Here for blowing warm breath into freezing hands.

Here for watching down the pub, at home, or in the stands.

Here for the clack clack of the turnstile.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the little baller in an oversized shirt.

And for the footwells covered in dirt.

Here for bringing communities together.

Here for the volunteers working to makes things better.

Here for all levels of the beautiful game.

But not for the comments posted to inflame.

Here for those goals, every tackle, home and away.

Here for the competition but also the “play”.

Her for coaching, playing, reffing, championing, supporting.

Him for standing up for her when everyone, or no-one’s watching.

Here for the blue, the red, the rainbow.

And for our Community Football Fund helping the game grow.

Here for creating equal access in our schools.

Here for determined girls shattering outdated “rules”.

From schools to stadiums, we’re here for it all.

Here for the Land of Football.

MEGAN FINNIGAN

Good afternoon and welcome back to Walton Hall Park for today’s match against Aston Villa.

We are all still really disappointed with last weekend, but not due to a lack of effort.

I thought the girls were excellent against Chelsea. We were dominant against one of the best teams in Europe and went toe to toe with them.

The team they put out against us is very talented, and that extends to their bench too. The fact we competed with them as much as we did, just epitomises the togetherness within our group, and that gets stronger every week.

Unfortunately, we just could not finish our chances. One lapse of concentration, and they punish you.

While the pain of that result will stay for some time, we have taken so many positives from the performance.

If we replicate that level against our upcoming opponents, I am fully confident that we will win games.

I have spoken on numerous occasions this season about how excellent our performances have been, but we just have not picked up the results. That needs to change.

As a collective, we have to be more clinical with our chances. I would be more concerned if we were not creating chances, but we are in abundance. It is the conviction in front of goal where we must be better.

It is frustrating because with the hard work that goes into every week and in our performances, you want something to show for it. Unfortunately, we do not have that this season but there are still games to play, and we are committed to finishing this

season with as many points on the board as we possibly can.

Today, we face an Aston Villa side who we have beaten twice so far this season, but the message this week is not to be complacent.

Just because we won those games, it does not mean we are guaranteed a win today. Nothing in this league is a given.

There are similarities to us and Villa this season. Both sides having excellent squads who finished at the top half of the league last season but are now fighting in the bottom half of the table. Like us, they probably have not got the points they deserved this season and that makes them an even more dangerous opponent.

We have seven games left this season and we are committed to putting absolutely everything into those fixtures.

I will echo what our manager has said in the past: what we are trying to build is a process. Success does not come overnight.

Results are important, but we are trying to build for the future, and I feel with our performances, there has been a big improvement.

We have three games coming up before the break, and our focus is nothing short of nine points.

Enjoy the game, Meg

PLAYER PROFILES

COURTNEY BROSNAN

COUNTRY: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

POSITION: GOALKEEPER

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET

COUNTRY: BELGIUM

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

KATRINE VEJE

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER

CLARE WHEELER

COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

TONI DUGGAN

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: FORWARD

HANNA BENNISON

COUNTRY: SWEDEN

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

7

9

10

8

EVERTON

11

EMMA BISSELL

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

ELEANOR DALE

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: FORWARD

12

EMILY RAMSEY

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: GOALKEEPER

LUCY HOPE

COUNTRY: SCOTLAND

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

LIBBY HART

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: GOALKEEPER

MARTINA PIEMONTE

COUNTRY: ITALY

POSITION: FORWARD

PLAYER PROFILES

19

HEATHER PAYNE

COUNTRY: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

POSITION: FORWARD

MEGAN FINNIGAN

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER

AURORA GALLI

COUNTRY: ITALY

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

KATHRINE KÜHL

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

SARA HOLMGAARD

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER

KATJA SNOEIJS

COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS

POSITION: FORWARD

RIKKE

MADSEN

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: FORWARD

ELISE STENEVIK

COUNTRY: NORWAY

POSITION: DEFENDER

KAREN HOLMGAARD

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

ANNIE WILDING

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER

KAROLINE

OLESEN

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

PLAYER PROFILES

ANNA PATTEN Defender

4

JORDAN NOBBS Midfielder

8

LUCY STANIFORTH Midfielder

RACHEL DALY Forward

9

DAPHNE VAN DOMSELAAR Goalkeeper

RACHEL CORSIE Defender

1 6

SARAH MAYLING Defender

ALISHA LEHMANN Forward

DANIELLE TURNER Defender

KENZA DALI Midfielder

10

FREYA GREGORY Forward

Forward

LUCY PARKER Defender

15

EBONY SALMON

ANNA LEAT Goalkeeper

21

GEORGIA MULLETT

NOELLE MARITZ Defender MAYUMI PACHECO Defender

26

33

SIMONE MAGILL

MIRI TAYLOR Midfielder

ADRIANA LEON

KIRSTY HANSON

2023/24 AWAY KIT AVAILABLE NOW

Everton trio Megan Finnigan, Lucy Hope and Emma Bissell went back to school recently for an action-packed PE lesson and Q&A with enthusiastic pupils at Wellesbourne Primary School before handing out prized tickets for this month’s huge Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Today’s game against Aston Villa represents the Blues’ final fixture before their clash against Liverpool next week on Sunday 24 March at 1pm (GMT).

Sportsbreaks.com is Everton’s Official Match Break Provider and they teamed up with the Club to arrange for key Senior players Finnigan, Hope and Bissell to make a special visit to the primary school in Norris Green, Liverpool, where the three joined a Year 5 class made up of children aged 9-10 for an indoor tag and football training session.

Following the fun, the pupils then put a range of questions to the trio about their journeys into professional sports and life as elite athletes.

Speaking at the visit, Hope told the Official Everton Programme of her delight at seeing more girls becoming involved in sport.

“I think the times have changed since I was younger, when the girls were the odd ones out and it was loads of boys running about in the playground and in the gym hall,” she said.

“Today, there have been so many girls getting involved – playing football for maybe the first time, but they’re doing it with a smile on their face and really enjoying it.

“There are so many young girls getting involved in sport in general, whether that’s football, rugby, or whatever else, there are so many sports out there that include girls. It’s good to see.”

Blues midfielder Bissell talked about her hopes to have a positive influence on young people, explaining: “I think it’s really important to come down to the school like we have today, see the young kids and give back what we can, to try to inspire the next generation so they love the sport as much as we do.”

Keen to further support opportunities through sport, Everton captain Finnigan added: “Obviously, we’re trying to push for equality.

“That’s something we see as one of our purposes as women’s footballers, so it’s important that we celebrate that all year long.”

At the end of the session, and thanks to Club partners Sportsbreaks.com, the group were rewarded with tickets for next week’s match against rivals Liverpool.

Everton’s Courtney Brosnan, Heather Payne and Lucy Hope visited Claire House this week to help raise awareness of the charity's Butterfly Bake campaign.

Claire House is a children’s hospice that helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the fullest by creating lasting memories and support for families going through the toughest times of their lives.

The Women’s senior stars were in attendance as part of the Butterfly Bake campaign, an initiative named after the bereavement care provided in the butterfly suites at the West Derby facility. The Butterfly is the symbol chosen by the children’s hospice because it is beautiful, yet fragile.

As part of the visit, the Everton trio helped decorate some cupcakes alongside families.

Blues midfielder Hope said: “We’ve been down here at Claire House for the Butterfly Bake campaign which essentially helps people and families who have got children who are potentially coming to end of life care.

“We’ve been cake decorating so it’s been light-hearted, everyone is in a good mood, and we’ve been getting covered in flour!

“The families, if they didn’t have Claire House, they would be lost. They work closely with Alder Hey hospital and this place is a respite centre for them to give

that extra care to the families that need it.

“The fact that they can come in here, smile, enjoy themselves and take their minds of everything that is going on at home – Claire House is like a hug to the families.”

It was an emotional visit for those involved and Hope said she felt honoured to be able to give back by visiting the children’s hospice.

“If I had all the money in the world, I would give back to Claire House,” she added.

“The fact that they can come to our games and cheer us on, the

support is massive for us. Now we are doing our bit coming back, I hope the kids can see that we are normal humans, they can interact with us, play with us, and have conversations with us.”

At the end of the visit the players handed out tickets for the families to attend next weekend’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Having met the special families, Hope said it’s added incentive for herself and the squad to go out and secure a derby win.

“I’ve already promised one of the

boys Jacob - I said I better see him there, so I’ll be looking out for him especially," she said.

Goalkeeper Brosnan added: “It’s been absolutely amazing. All the staff have been amazing and welcoming. They gave us a tour and told us about everything they do for the families here.

“Just being able to interact with the families here, draw some pictures and decorate some cakes with them has been really special.

“I think it’s really important and

special to be involved in that.

“To be able to interact off the pitch and show our personal side with them in a different setting means a lot to me and I’m sure to all of the other girls as well.”

In 2023, Claire House cared for and supported 100 babies, children and young adults at the end of their life.

For more information on how the children’s hospice supports families and how to donate, visit clairehouse.org.uk.

GREATNESS

SUN 24 MAR | 1PM

V Everton Liverpool

SUN 28 APR | 1PM

V Everton Arsenal

SUN 5 MAY | 1PM

What’s your go-to breakfast?

A bagel with eggs and avocado or cheese.

What does your lunch look like?

It changes every day at Finch Farm. I really like Asian food, so that’s what I’d choose to have if it’s on the menu.

What’s your best dish to make?

I try to do different things, but I’d maybe say something Swedish – like homemade meatballs.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR TEA?

I like to try different things and I like to cook, so maybe some pasta.

How well can you cook?

I like to cook, and I’d say I’m quite good.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE FOR DESSERT?

Chocolate cake with ice cream!

What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

I’d definitely say Asian food is my favourite!

VIP EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNGSTERS

AS EITC TEAMS UP WITH DISNEY ON ICE

Everton in the Community has joined forces with Disney On Ice to provide an exclusive VIP experience for more than 20 local children when the show arrives at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool later this month.

The EitC youngsters were selected from a number of the charity’s programmes, some of whom are faced with various societal challenges, and have been invited along as very special guests where they'll meet a famous Disney friend before they take to their seats with their families to watch the show.

The chosen recipients were invited to an afternoon tea party, hosted at Goodison Park where Rikke Madsen and Kathrine Kuhl from Everton's women's senior squad announced their surprise VIP trip to Disney on Ice.

The Blues duo also handed out tickets to this month's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before joining the youngsters in a number of games and colouring activities where they were able to show off their dance moves to Disney songs!

As the charitable arm of Everton Football Club, EitC is committed to building brighter futures and creating stronger communities – the charity delivers more than 60 projects and initiatives each year which tackle issues such as inequality, health disparities, educational attainment, poverty,

mental health, and unemployment with a strong commitment to making a tangible difference to local Merseyside families.

The VIP guests will get to experience an ice spectacular where believing is just the beginning – watching Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and stars from Frozen, Moana, Coco, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, and more, sharing every magical moment of breathtaking ice skating and beloved Disney stories together, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Commenting on their experience, Eight-year-old Poppy from Liverpool said: "I had lots of fun at the tea party with my sister and was so excited when the players said that we will be going to see Disney On Ice! I love everything Disney but have never been to a show before and I know I will have the best time ever!"

Denmark international, Rikke Madsen, said: "Myself and Kathrine had a lovely afternoon with these inspirational young people

from Everton in the Community celebrating all things Disney On Ice and it was great to be able to surprise them with tickets to the upcoming Disney on Ice presents Dream Big show in Liverpool. These children have been through some difficult times recently, so it was very rewarding to be able to put some smiles back on their faces and I know they'll enjoy an extra special evening with their families in a few weeks thanks to the generosity of Disney On Ice."

Steven Armstrong, Regional VicePresident of Feld Entertainment, producers of Disney On Ice, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with our friends from Everton In The Community and enable the children to enjoy this magical experience in Liverpool – I’m sure this trip will make many much-loved memories for all of the families involved. That’s the magic of Disney On Ice!”

Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is at M&S Bank Arena Liverpool from Thursday 21 March to Sunday 24 March 2024.

For tickets and more information visit: www.disneyonice.co.uk

Here for blowing warm breath into freezing hands.

Here for watching down the pub, at home, or in the stands.

Here for the clack clack of the turnstile.

And the smell of fried onions, let’s queue a while.

Here for the last-minute dramas, nothing can compare.

And for the moments you say: ‘you had to be there’.

Here for the legends who paved the way.

Here for the rivalries, and derby day.

Here for the girls knowing they can play too.

And the WSL pulling in crowds of 59,042.

Here for the little baller in an oversized shirt.

And for the footwells covered in dirt.

Here for bringing communities together.

Here for the volunteers working to makes things better.

Here for all levels of the beautiful game.

But not for the comments posted to inflame.

Here for those goals, every tackle, home and away.

Here for the competition but also the “play”.

Her for coaching, playing, reffing, championing, supporting.

Him for standing up for her when everyone, or no-one’s watching.

Here for the blue, the red, the rainbow.

And for our Community Football Fund helping the game grow.

Here for creating equal access in our schools.

Here for determined girls shattering outdated “rules”.

From schools to stadiums, we’re here for it all.

Here for the Land of Football.

THE PERFECT WAY FOR GIRLS AGED 5-11 TO GET INVOLVED IN FOOTBALL

EVERTON

Manager: Brian Sørensen

1 Courtney Brosnan

2 Katrine Veje

7 Clare Wheeler

8 Justine Vanhaevermaet

9 Toni Duggan

10 Hanna Bennison

11 Emma Bissell

12 Emily Ramsey

13 Libby Hart

15 Eleanor Dale

17 Lucy Hope

18 Martina Piemonte

19 Heather Payne

20 Megan Finnigan

21 Katherine Kühl

22 Aurora Galli

23 Sara Holmgaard

25 Katja Snoeijs

27

28

Manager: Carla Ward

1 Daphne van Domselaar

2 Sarah Mayling

4 Anna Patten

5 Lucy Staniforth

6 Rachel Corsie

7 Alisha Lehmann

8 Jordan Nobbs

9 Rachel Daly

10 Kenza Dali

11 Freya Gregory

14 Danielle Turner

15 Lucy Parker

17 Ebony Salmon

18 Georgia Mullett

20 Kirsty Hanson

21 Anna Leat

22 Simone Magill

23 Adriana Leon

25 Miri Taylor

26 Noelle Maritz

33 Mayumi Pacheco