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Everton have revolutionised the matchday experience for a number of loyal supporters this season.

Back in March 2018 the Blues began work on the Park End, which would help to improve accessibility for the club's disabled fans, with the project being completed for the first home match of the 2018/19 season against Southampton.

A new balcony was built which helped to offer some of the best elevated viewing facilities in the Premier League, with access to that balcony provided by two 17-person lifts.

The platform itself accommodates 45 wheelchair positions, four accessible toilets and two concession kiosks.

Lifelong Evertonian and wheelchair user Mike has been visiting Goodison Park for over 30 years, but has had his matchday experience massively improved this term.

"You’re not exposed to the elements and it’s the best seat in the house," Mike told evertonfc.com .

"Going to Everton means the world to me. The club are like family and this new platform means I can go every week.

"I’m immersed with all the other fans. I feel included.

"Because I have a Season Ticket now, I get up in the morning ahead of every game and think ‘It’s matchday'.

"It’s an excitement that’s hard to describe. It means everything to me."

As part of Everton’s commitment to its disabled supporters, each fan can bring a companion to the game free of charge.

Colin, Mike’s close friend and personal assistant, explains how the positive effects of the new provisions do not simply extend to matchdays.

"Before [the platform was built], I was only bringing Mike to very few games because, if the elements got to him, he could be very susceptible to pneumonia," he says. "He has had a heart transplant, and his immune system is suppressed.

"Now, he’s up here, the seating is covered, and the facility is phenomenal. It’s got everything you could want.

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"It has lightened his life up unbelievably. He can come to as many matches as he wants. I’d bet he is the happiest man in Goodison Park.

"And if he’s happy, I’m happy."

Two elevated viewing platforms have also been developed within the Main Stand, along with additional accessible seating in the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street (Lower) Stand.

For Rachael Lomax, Everton’s Accessibility Advisor, hearing such effusive feedback from supporters regarding the accessible provisions represents a significant source of pride.

"We’ve had people just saying they didn’t think it was possible, that they’d never seen a view like it," she says.

"It’s really important for us to be inclusive and make sure anyone as an Evertonian can come and watch games.

"That is how it should be. I’m really glad we, as a Club, are leading the way in making these improvements."



Everton FC is celebrating Level Playing Field's Weeks of Action, which is taking place from 2-17 March. Weeks of Action aims to celebrate the positive initiatives undertaken by clubs, sporting venues, and their governing bodies in partnership with disabled sports fans and disabled supporters’ associations. Click here for more details.