![](https://bbcsportss.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/download-2023-08-07T183315.557.jpg)
A group of lucky Blues fans got a real KICK out of Saturday’s trip to Goodison.
Martin Cooke and Beverley Breen were both given the red-carpet treatment on a VIP day, courtesy of our Official Sleeve Sponsor and Official Streaming Partner, KICK.
The duo were winners of a random draw of all ticket holders for the friendly against Sporting CP – and enjoyed witnessing a 1-0 win, courtesy of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first-half penalty.
Martin and his son Benjamin, along with Beverley, friend Claire Burden and her son Stanley – the latter enjoying his first taste of Goodison – also enjoyed a pre-match tour of the dressing room and tunnel area, followed by a private box to watch the match from.
And when the dust settled, the group enjoyed a meet and greet with several members of the first team squad, rounded off with a chat with manager Sean Dyche.
Martin said: “It was a wonderful surprise that you just don’t expect will happen to you. The hospitality and friendliness of the staff was amazing and meeting the players after the game was a highlight for me.
“To meet them, shake hands and have photographs with them rounded off a perfect day and I can’t thank KICK and the Club enough.”
Beverley, who also appeared on stage in the Fan Zone prior to kick off, added: “It’s been an amazing day and we’ve just had a fabulous time.
“I hadn’t slept since Thursday when I was told I’d won and I don’t think I’ll sleep for a few nights yet.
“Everyone treat us like royalty and I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved”.
A further handful of supporters also had a dream day after winning a competition to take a half time penalty at the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End and win a signed first team shirt, courtesy of KICK.
Elise Johnson, 11, Frankie Black and Freddie Rimmer, both 13, Polly Sephton 19, and 44-year-old Christopher Wood all braved the unique experience of taking a spot kick, with goalkeeper Phil Grace – who had just been presented to the Goodison crowd as part of the trophy-winning EITC Amputee Team – guesting between the posts.
Saturday’s competitions kicked off a season of activations by KICK, the innovative, community-driven live streaming platform.
To mark the new partnership, the Blues and KICK will enhance the matchday experience with a range of exciting activities and innovations that will bring fans closer to the Club.