Official Digital Programme - Everton v Chelsea

MANAGER’S NOTES

BRIAN SORENSEN

the best teams. Today’s opponents certainly fit that description, and we are under no illusion of the challenge that awaits us.

However, we have had an excellent week of training and given Chelsea’s busy schedule over the past week, this afternoon presents no better opportunity to go toe-to-toe with one of England’s best outfits.

You only have to look at our recent history to see our Club victorious against Chelsea at this stage of the competition back in 2020.

Megan and Lucy were involved on that memorable day and showed that today’s opponents are beatable.

That group of players went on to reach the final and while they just fell short at Wembley, they gave an excellent account of themselves.

We have hope and belief that our squad now are capable of replicating that level of success.

In order to do that we have to be fully equipped to go out and give Chelsea a game because it is going to be extremely tough.

The squad look forward to matches like this. For us, we treat today as if it were a final and we will cherish the challenge it brings.

While we have lost both our league meetings with Chelsea this season, we have learnt a lot from those performances.

and creating more opportunities.

We need to make sure the application is right from each player, that we have laser focus. We are ready to put our body on the line and give absolutely everything in terms of getting that result.

Last weekend showed we are capable of going up against a top team in Manchester City.

Despite having only a day to train with our returning internationals, the application from the squad was excellent and we have taken a lot of confidence from that performance.

As a group, we know we are getting closer to obtaining results against that standard of opponent.

What we must do is to captilise in those crucial moments where we create good chances, be ready to hurt a team like Chelsea in the right moments.

At the other side of the field, we need to contain them, minimise their chances and disrupt the rhythm of their play.

If we do that then I feel we have an excellent chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Every supporter inside Walton Hall Park will play their part this afternoon and we hope to do you proud.

Enjoy the game, Brian

MEGAN FINNIGAN

Good afternoon and welcome back to Walton Hall Park for today’s FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

We know today presents a tough task for us but at this stage of the competition there is no easy opponent.

If you want to reach Wembley and win this competition, you need to beat the best teams and Chelsea fits that bracket.

We know we have a challenge on our hands, but it is one we face head on and believe that we can win.

Anything can happen in a cup game and when we played Chelsea just over a month ago, we ran them really close.

We have to take confidence from that but also in the fact we beat Chelsea at this stage of the competition back in 2020.

I remember that day fondly. The feeling when the full-time whistle went was indescribable.

We knew at that point that Wembley was on the horizon, if you can beat a team like Chelsea then you are capable of beating anyone.

That was one of the first things I said to the girls when the draw came out. We did it back then and we can do it again now.

With respect to the group of players we had back then, I feel we have a stronger team now and we are hoping history can repeat itself.

We are coming up against world-class players who can create something out of nothing. Things might go against us in the match, but the onus is on us to stay in the game and keep pushing right until the very end.

What I can guarantee is that the belief and the mentality will be there right from the start from

everyone, I have no doubt about that.

I have been fortunate enough to play at this stage of the competition with Everton before.

From my experience, in these games you have to be ready to give absolutely everything. You have to leave everything on the pitch.

We have seen on big occasions this season that our girls have stepped up and hopefully we do that again today.

The last time we were at Walton Hall Park we, of course, got our first home win of the season against West Ham.

I said at the time that it felt like a long time coming and the girls were so desperate to get a victory over the line.

We know where we are in the league. We feel we are not where we deserve to be, but as far as our performances are concerned recently, we are in a really good place.

The fact that today’s cup tie is at home gives us even more incentive to go out and get a win in front our supporters.

I know the fans will be amazing today and as a group we should relish this opportunity as it has the potential to be a very special day for us all.

If we are able to get over the line today, I think it sets us up for a really exciting finish to the season.

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

AURORA GALLI

COUNTRY: ITALY

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

MEGAN FINNIGAN

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER

SARA HOLMGAARD

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER

KATHRINE KÜHL

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

KATJA SNOEIJS

COUNTRY: NETHERLANDS

POSITION: FORWARD

RIKKE

MADSEN

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: FORWARD

ELISE STENEVIK

COUNTRY: NORWAY

POSITION: DEFENDER

ANNIE WILDING

COUNTRY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER

KAREN HOLMGAARD

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

KAROLINE

OLESEN

COUNTRY: DENMARK

POSITION: MIDFIELDER

PLAYER PROFILES

ANIEK NOUWEN Centre-back

GURO REITEN Attacking Midfielder

JESS CARTER Full-back/Centre-back

MILLIE BRIGHT Centre-back

MELANIE LEUPOLZ Midfielder

ASHLEY LAWRENCE Left-back

ZECIRA MUSOVIC Goalkeeper

SOPHIE INGLE Midfielder

CATARINA MACARIO Striker

MIA FISHEL Striker

SJOEKE NUSKEN Midfielder

LAUREN JAMES Forward

FRAN KIRBY Forward

EVE PERISSET Right-back

NICKY EVRARD Goalkeeper

MAREN MJELDE Centre-back/Full-back

NIAMH CHARLES Full-back/Winger

JOHANNA RYTTING KANERYD Forward

ERIN CUTHBERT Midfielder

HANNAH HAMPTON Goalkeeper

KADEISHA BUCHANAN Centre-back

JELENA CANKOVIC Attacking midfielder

JORJA FOX Defender

MAIKA HAMANO Forward

ANN-KATRIN BERGER Goalkeeper

AGGIE BEEVER-JONES Forward

MAYRA RAMIREZ Forward ASHANTI AKPAN Midfielder

NATHALIE BJORN Defender

SAM KERR Striker

2023/24 AWAY KIT AVAILABLE NOW

Everton captain Megan Finnigan believes the Blues' “togetherness” could be a key factor in the coming weeks.

After a close defeat last time out against Manchester City in the Women’s Super League, a return to FA Cup action sees the Toffees face another tough test this afternoon.

Everton welcome Chelsea to Walton Hall Park, with the visiting five-time winners targeting a fourth consecutive triumph in the competition.

Nevertheless, Finnigan believes the unity of an improving Blues side – who produced a stunning 7-1 Cup win at Nottingham Forest in the previous round – could hold significance ahead of today’s game.

“We’ve really come together, and we’ve got an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to,” she said ahead of the tie with Chelsea.

“In the past few weeks, while the results might not have been there, the work rate and the performances definitely have been.

“The togetherness of the team – I can’t fault it. It’s a really good group of girls. I’ve said the talent is there and we’ve known that all season.”

In their most recent outing at Walton Hall Park, Italian duo Martina Piemonte and Aurora Galli netted second-half goals in a 2-0 win over West Ham United – the Toffees’ first home win so far this season.

Victory over the Hammers was a just reward for weeks of hard work and positive performances, says Finnigan, who spoke about her delight at being able to repay the home support for their unwavering efforts.

“Obviously, it was our first win at

Walton Hall Park this year, so that in itself was an amazing feeling for us,” she explained.

“The league table doesn’t lie in terms of results, but where we are as a group, we’re trying to do certain things. We’re actually quite happy with most of our performances this year. We’ve just not got the results to go with it.

“For the fans sometimes, it must be difficult. They don’t necessarily see what we do day in and day out, whereas we know [about the hard work] and we know what we’re doing on the training pitch every single week, so we just have stick with that, trust that process.

“[The fans] are always supporting us, always singing for us. It was a really nice moment for them when we got that win and it’s always nice to pay them back for all their effort.”

Everton stars Clare Wheeler and Justine Vanhaevermaet paid a visit to a local school to help promote equality on International Women’s Day.

The midfield pair visited St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School as part of Reading Month to read Ella Plays Football, a children’s book published by Her Game

Too about a young girl who overcomes the stigma of playing football as a girl.

Her Game Too is a campaign that champions women in sport and tackles discrimination.

Everton became the first Premier League club to formally partner with Her Game Too in December 2021 and, on International Women’s Day 2023, Seamus Coleman and then-Everton Women defender Gabby George were announced as the first Her Game Too player advocates in

the Premier League and Women’s Super League respectively.

To extend the Club's work with the organisation, current Everton Women captain Megan Finnigan then became a Her Game Too advocate in summer 2023 following George’s departure to Manchester United.

Eager to highlight the importance of International Women’s Day, Wheeler and Vanhaevermaet participated in a Q&A with the young pupils to help spread the message that everyone deserves equal opportunity regardless of their gender.

Reflecting on the visit, Wheeler told the Official Everton Programme: “We had the pleasure of coming here to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic

Primary School to speak about International Women’s Day and Her Game Too.

“We read a book to a Year Three class highlighting the importance of equal access to the game of football and supporting women’s achievements on International Women’s Day.

“Seeing their enthusiasm and energy is just infectious to be around that. I hope they took something away from our visit and it was really good to meet them.

“International Women’s Day is really important to celebrate the achievements of women past and present regardless of religion, cultural background, ethnicity to celebrate what everyone has done.

“It’s really important to start having these conversations with kids and making sure they understand that equal opportunity and equality is really important. It could be as simple as making sure that everyone is able to play the game of football that we all love and make sure we celebrate everyone regardless of their gender.”

At the end of the visit, the Everton duo handed out tickets for the school kids to attend the women’s Merseyside derby at

Goodison Park on Sunday 24 March.

The visit was made possible thanks to the Everton’s School Supporters’ Club programme. The programme is an extracurricular engagement tool for youngsters that allows them to meet other like-minded students, make friends and share their loves of the Blues.

More than 100 schools have signed up to the initiative since it launched in 2016, with

affiliated schools now in North America, Africa, Asia and across Europe, as well as in the UK.

You can keep up-todate with the work of Her Game Too via hergametoo.co.uk or via X and Instagram (@hergametoo).

GREATNESS

SAT 16 MAR | 1PM

SUN 24 MAR | 1PM

SUN 28 APR | 1PM

SUN 5 MAY | 1PM

V Everton Aston Villa

Everton Liverpool

Everton Arsenal

Everton Tottenham Hotspur

What’s your go-to breakfast?

A bagel with eggs and avocado or cheese.

What does your lunch look like?

It depends on what the chefs are cooking up at Finch Farm!

What’s your best dish to make?

When I don’t know what to make, I’ll do a stir-fry. Something like a tofu stir-fry or chicken stir-fry.

WHAT SNACKS DO YOU HAVE DURING THE DAY?

I’m a sucker for crisps and biscuits. I love those Fox’s golden crunch creams. They’re my favourite. But usually, just fruit or some healthy bars.

How well can you cook?

My cooking skills are pretty good. I have the basics down, but I want to branch out and try more recipes.

What do you have for tea?

I have an air fryer now, so I put potatoes and veg all in there. I’d maybe have that with some salmon.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE FOR DESSERT?

I love ice cream! I could eat it every day for the rest of my life and be so happy. If I was going for something fancy, then maybe tiramisu, cheesecake, or apple pie.

What’s your favourite type of cuisine?

My favourite food is pizza, so maybe Italian. But I love Mexican food, too!

The Blues striker spent time with participants from ‘Alfie’s Squad’ - a weekly programme set up in partnership with Everton in the Community - which provides tailored support for young people aged six to 17-years-old who have been bereaved by suicide or selfinflicted death.

Hosted at the charity’s purposebuilt mental health and wellbeing hub, The People’s Place, Snoeijs got involved in a t-shirt painting workshop delivered by local art therapy expert Gemma Longworth, with the session giving participants the opportunity to express their emotions positively through art.

During her visit, the Netherlands international put her unique stamp on the t-shirt designs whilst hearing from the young people about their personal journeys and how Alfie’s Squad has had a beneficial impact on their mental health, before handing out tickets for Everton Women’s upcoming Merseyside derby against Liverpool Women on Sunday 24 March.

Reflecting on the session, Snoeijs

said: “It’s always great to get out in the community and meet participants from the charity’s programmes, but visiting this session was especially humbling. I’m so grateful that many of the young people as well as their parents and guardians felt comfortable sharing their personal stories with me - it’s been a really moving evening.

“It was special spending some one-on-one time with them all and witnessing first-hand the close bonds that they’ve built with each other in such a short space of time. It’s incredibly important that these young people have access to this service; it’s clear to see that it benefits them massively and gives them a safe space where they feel understood and can open up about their experiences.”

Commenting on Katja’s visit, Alfie, founder of Alfie’s Squad added: “We’re so grateful that Katja took the time to come and visit Alfie’s Squad, all the children really enjoyed meeting her and she’s welcome back anytime.”

Made possible thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of 16-year-old Alfie, who sadly lost his own father to suicide in 2017 and subsequently launched Alfie’s Squad in 2019. Facilitated by the Club’s official charity, the young Evertonian has since developed a bespoke programme to help support other bereaved children across Merseyside based on his own needs and lived experience. Having fundraised more than £50,000 to date, Alfie continues to contribute towards the sustainability of the project, including an upcoming shark dive this springtime - where Alfie and 12 of his fellow participants as well as three of their parents and guardians will take part, with all monies raised channelled into developing the programme.

To find out more about Alfie’s Squad and register your interest in the weekly sessions, please email fiona.brereton@evertonfc.com

Everton Women’s star Katja Snoeijs headed to Everton in the Community’s Liverpool 4 campus recently to find out more about bereavement support for young people across Liverpool City Region.

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

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

26 Rikke Madsen

27 Elise Stenevik

28 Karen Holmgaard

30 Annie Wilding

47 Karoline Olesen

CHELSEA

Manager: Emma Hayes

1 Zecira Musovic

2 Mia Fishel

3 Aniek Nouwen

4 Millie Bright

5 Sophie Ingle

6 Sjoeke Nusken

7 Jess Carter

8 Melanie Leupolz

9 Catarina Macario

10 Lauren James

11 Guro Reiten

12 Ashley Lawrence

13 Katerina Svitkova

14 Fran Kirby

15 Eve Perisset

16 Nicky Evrard

18 Maren Mjelde

19 Johanna Rytting Kaneryd

20 Sam Kerr

21 Niamh Charles

22 Erin Cuthbert

23 Maika Hamano

24 Hannah Hampton

26 Kadeisha Buchanan

28 Jelena Cankovic

29 Jorja Fox

30 Ann-Katrin Berger

33 Aggie Beever-Jones

35 Mayra Ramirez

36 Ashanti Akpan

39 Nathalie Bjorn