A group set up by Everton supporters during the pandemic has developed into an important mental health support network helping people from across Liverpool.
Now more than 40 regular members take part in football sessions and 11-a-side games, both competitive and friendly, as part of a dynamic set up to raise awareness and funds for good causes.RATINGS: Everton player ratings as Megan Finnigan and three others great vs Liverpool Explaining the concept, Peter told the ECHO: “The idea behind it was a consequence of Covid. We noticed that during lockdown, when no-one could go to the match, we lost an important social element - that was when people met up with their family and their friends and it would be a way of letting off steam. When Covid came that opportunity completely disappeared.
Peter said: “When the restrictions started to lift one of the first things that you could do was exercise. Andy and I discussed it and thought why don’t we do Talking Toffees football? We started a midweek session at Goals in Speke and said to anyone - not just Evertonians - to come along and get out of the house and just play football.
When it comes to matchdays, Peter tends to manage the side rather than play. The 32-year-old dad from Liverpool is immensely proud of the group and said more people are welcome to get involved. Encouraging people to sign up, he said: “Football is just the starting point. You can meet someone for the first time and spend hours talking about football.