Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC prove that charity begins at home at Former Players' Foundation's 10th birthday party
IN modern transfer terms, it was a gathering of talent worth hundreds of millions. Even adding up the transfer fees they originally cost Everton Football Club, it was still a multi-million pound assembly.[LNB]But mere money couldn't buy the feelgood factor that washed around the Goodison Park marquee on Monday night.[LNB] There was one British record transfer fee, three club record buys, Britain's most expensive defender, the record fee paid for a non-league footballer, one World Cup winner, more League and FA Cup winners than you could count on the fingers of Drew Brand's hands (he was the only goalkeeper in the house) - all watched over by the managers responsible for the last nine pieces of silverware brought to Goodison Park.[LNB]It was an unashamedly nostalgic night - to pay tribute to a body which services the needs of Everton's heroes from yesteryear.[LNB]The Everton Former Players' Foundation celebrated its 10th birthday last week - one of the final functions to be staged in the Park End marquee before the new £9m development gets under way.[LNB]Many of the players who were called on to the stage were quick to emphasise just how important the Foundation has been in their lives.[LNB]And a special message was read out from Alex Young, who wrote: 'The foundation has quite literally changed my life.'[LNB]He's not alone in that respect, although a great many of the recipients of the Foundation's charity prefer not to advertise the help they have received.[LNB]The night was given special significance by the attendance of EFPA (European Former Players Association) representative Ramon Alfonseda from FC Barcelona.
