Sponsored by Home Bargains, the prestigious night honoured EitC participants, volunteers and fundraisers from across the charity’s 60+ programmes and initiatives whilst key strategic partners such as the Steve Morgan Foundation, Merseyside Police and Premier League Charitable Fund were also in attendance with award categories of their own.

Hosted by Giulia Bould and Sarah Halpin, EitC’s Premier League Primary Stars participants opened the evening with a heart-warming dance recital before Blues legends, Leighton Baines and Rachel Brown-Finnis, were welcomed onstage as the evening’s special guests. The Toffees duo presented a total of 13 awards including the Spirit of Volunteering Award, Charity Champion Award and Community Impact of the Year Award.

Reflecting on the night, former Everton and England number one, Rachel said:

“Having worked alongside Everton in the Community for seven years as a player, it’s amazing for me to be here tonight and see its continued success and growth. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together from across the charity to celebrate their hard work.”

Amongst the winners, EitC participant, Joe who, thanks to support from the charity, has turned his life around and developed into a confident young leader spoke about his pride in receiving the EitC Minds Award: “It feels great to come out on top and win this award.

“I can’t even put into words how much of an impact Everton in the Community has had on my life. They helped me when I thought I couldn’t be helped and gave me a purpose again.”

The night culminated with the CEO Award, chosen by Chief Executive Officer, Sue Gregory, which acknowledged an anonymised ‘Tackling the Blues’ participant, who was sadly affected by last year’s devasting Southport attacks.

And Sue spoke of her pride on an occasion which saw almost 450 people come together to celebrate the very best of what EitC has to offer: “Tonight is a lovely example of everything we do at Everton in the Community.

“The work we deliver across Merseyside is absolutely incredible and hearing all of the participant stories tonight has been so rewarding. The life-changing impact of our provision really shines through on nights like these and I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

Home Bargains’ Head of Charity, Matt Morris was also in attendance to present the Sponsors Award, and he echoed Sue’s sentiments:

“I think tonight has been fantastic. There were lots of amazing stories from the nominees and I found it extremely hard to pick the winner of the Sponsors Award.

“With Home Bargains being a local family-run and family-owned company with strong roots to Liverpool, it’s important for us to still support the local community and I feel that Everton in the Community has similar values to us.”

EitC would like to also place its thanks on record to Print Partner Oriel Studios, Awards Partner Wild Thang and BOXPARK Liverpool.