Everton to stage Ball tribute game

Goodison Park is to host a benefit match in remembrance of one of Everton’s greatest ever players, Alan Ball.

The tribute game, to honour an Everton Giant, will take place on Saturday 7 October 2017 at Goodison Park, kicking off at 3pm, with tickets available to purchase from Monday 4 September.

An ‘Alan Ball All-Stars XI’, managed by Everton legends Andy Gray and Peter Reid, will be supported by former Blues manager Joe Royle and ex-toffees striker Kevin Campbell. They’ll be taking on a Premier League XI with Harry Redknapp at the helm, assisted by ex-Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy and Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier. The match will be kicked off by Sir Geoff Hurst and Colin Harvey. Lee Carsley, James Beattie, Peter Crouch, Francis Jeffers and Danny Cadamarteri have all confirmed they will be playing with more stars due to be announced over the coming weeks.

This year will mark ten years since Alan Ball’s passing and his children, Mandy, Keely and Jimmy, have been involved in organising a series of events to honour their father and give football fans across the country the opportunity to pay tribute to a legend of English football.

Alan Ball made 250 appearances for the Blues - more than for any of his other clubs - netting an impressive 78 goals. From his opening goal on his league debut at Fulham, Bally's drive and passion struck a chord with Evertonians, but the Club and it’s fans also had a profound effect on him and his “Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be same…” quote has been immortalised into Everton folklore.

In August 1966, just weeks after winning the World Cup with England, Alan Ball signed for Everton from Blackpool for a then British record fee of £110,000. The small, flame-haired midfielder quickly became one of the finest footballers to ever don the royal blue shirt.

'Bally' became one-third of the famous Holy Trinity in Harry Catterick's midfield along with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey. The trio were key figures in Everton's league triumph of 1970.

Alan Ball was just 26 years-old when he departed Goodison Park to sign for Arsenal for £220,000. He had recalled on many occasions that it was a decision taken largely out of his hands. Later in life, he underlined his unique relationship with Everton by becoming Honorary President of the Everton Collection Charitable Trust, as well as being Honorary President of Everton’s fan club scheme.

The match at Goodison Park, supported by the FA and PFA, will follow a gala dinner held at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza on Friday 6 October, where guests will be treated to a three-course meal, entertainment from ex-players and celebrities plus a chance to re-live Alan Ball’s final after dinner speech. The evening will offer money can’t buy auction prizes including a chance to win a mascot place to lead England out at Wembley, VIP hospitality at an England fixture and memorabilia from some of the world's greatest players. Gala dinners will also be held at Alan’s old clubs: Portsmouth (13 October), Arsenal (11 November) and finally Southampton (17 November).

The net proceeds from the testimonial match and four dinners will be going towards charities in four cities where Alan Ball was fondly remembered. These include Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, The Countess Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton, The Oakley Waterman Foundation in Portsmouth and The Willow Foundation north of London in Hertfordshire. Funds will also be distributed amongst the families of the England ‘66 World Cup squad, including Alan’s family.

Jimmy Ball, Alan Ball’s son said: “Losing both our parents at a young age turned our lives upside down and we are so pleased that Everton has agreed to host this match in honour of Dad. I know my Dad held all of his clubs close to his heart but Everton in particular was a special place for him. It seemed fitting to honour the ten years since his passing with an incredible match, which we know he’ll be watching from above. He’ll be delighted his legacy is living on by helping four local charities and the families of his ’66 World Cup winning teammates.”

Tickets for game, kicking off at 3pm on Saturday 7 October, are priced at £15 for adults, £10 concessions and £5 Under-16s. Match tickets will be available to purchase on evertonfc.com/alanball from Monday 4 September as well as being available over the phone on 0151 556 1878*. Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased from Goodison Park ticket office or the Club’s city centre ticket facility in Everton Two, Liverpool One.

Sponsorship and corporate hospitality packages as well as tickets to the gals dinners are currently available to purchase through rememberingbally.net or by calling 07799388132.

For further information on the game, or sponsorship and hospitality packages please visit rememberingbally.net or email jim@rememberingbally.net

*booking charges apply