F.C. Revolution

THE EVERTON CONNECTION

We (FC REVOLUTION) are extremely fortunate to have a very unique partnership with the Everton Football Club from Liverpool, England. 

My son Keegan and I, along with former player and current film producer Burke Cherrie, traveled to the UK with Pittsburgh Riverhounds Head Coach Gene Klein and his assistant Paul Child in April of 2007.  It was a weekend in SOCCER PARADISE!

On the day we arrived, we had an afternoon meeting scheduled with Tony "TOSH" Farrell, who is Everton's Head of International Football Development.  We were late of couse...as we had been rushing to catch the train from Manchester to Liverpool - grab a taxi...and get to Goodison Park!

Tosh was patiently waiting for us outside the grounds.  We were directed to the board room, where we shared several ideas, and were introduced to "THE EVERTON WAY". 

The energy and excitement was overwhelming!  Well...to make a long story short, Gene Klein and Pittsburgh have a partnership with Everton as a result of that meeting! 

I was not involved with the REV'S club at the time, but asked Club founder Eric Puls if he would be interested in going to Lancaster to see Tosh present an on-the-field clinic that I had arranged, about the Everton Way methods.  So...he and coach Jeff Koegel met Tosh in early August, and without hesitation, Eric signed a 3 year partnership deal with the English Premier League giant.  Eric said, "The methods that were shown were very similar to what we have been teaching,  but we needed more.  Our staff will use these methods, and the Everton Way on-line tool, to help the club get to the next level."  The recent success of the club has made it clear to all...that this partnership is AWESOME!

Oh...back to the weekend in paradise!  After the meeting at Goodison, we were so excited for several reasons.  First, we visited a local establishment to learn more about the 'English Culture.'  Well...actually we had several hours to kill before the Everton vs. Fulham match.  After the brief pub crawl, we met Tosh in the executive suite and had the chance to meet several Everton Club Directors.  I was lucky enough to have been escorted directly to the field during warm-up!  It was magical.  Next, we watched the match ... and Everton walked away with an easy victory.  We all met with Tim Howard after the match for a brief hello and quickly ran to Lime Street Station hoping to catch the last train back to our hotel in Manchester.

Ahhh...time to rest...REALLY?  The next day we were off again....this time to Ewood Park, to see Aston Villa vs. Blackburn.  Gene's contacts had arranged for free tickets from former US International goalkeeper Brad Friedel.  Our seats were incredible, and the atmosphere was tremendous.

Sunday was Easter...EVERYTHING was CLOSED - well except for the Pubs.  Gene and Paul left us to visit some of Paul's family members.  So...Keegan, Burke and I took a cab to downtown Manchester for the day.  We had a great day...and I will leave it at that.

The next day was FOOTBALL day again.  We hopped another train, and were on our way to see Everton play at The Reebok - vs. Bolton.  Tim Howard had arranged for us to sit in the Everton section - front row - upper deck!  We were surrounded by the singing, swearing, and passionate Everton supporters - it was once again, an incredible experience.

There is so much more to the story...and so many more things to share about the trip and the partnership we have with Everton.

Stay Tuned ... and enjoy your day!