New Delhi: A teenage Everton fan from Sydney, Australia, embarked on a journey spanning 10,000 miles to witness what was set to be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. However, his dream was temporarily dashed when severe weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh forced the Premier League clash between Everton and Liverpool to be postponed on safety grounds.
Despite the setback, the 15-year-old fan named Mackenzie Kinsella received an incredible consolation. Everton captain Seamus Coleman extended a personal invitation for him to visit the club’s training ground and meet the players on Monday. The gesture left Mackenzie overjoyed.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Mackenzie’s connection to Everton runs deep. His mother Rita hails from Liverpool, and much of their extended family remains rooted in the city. While the family had visited England earlier in the year, financial constraints initially made another trip seem impossible. Yet, Mackenzie’s determination to be part of history outweighed the obstacles.
Over months, he diligently saved up enough money to fund his journey. After convincing his mother to let him travel across the globe and ensuring he could take time off school, the teenager boarded a flight with one goal in mind to witness Everton’s last-ever derby at Goodison Park before their move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season.
His arrival coincided with Everton’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday, a match that served as the beginning of the much-anticipated derby. But as the weekend approached, Storm Darragh swept across the region, forcing the authorities to call off the derby on safety grounds.
Disappointment turns to delight
While speaking to BBC Mackenzie admitted he was heartbroken by the news. “I was a bit shocked because it’s so rare for games to be canceled like that,” he said. “I was a bit sad. I really wanted to be part of history. It was a last-minute decision to come, and I was so excited to experience the atmosphere of the final derby at Goodison.”
However, Mackenzie’s disappointment was soon replaced by excitement. In a video message, Coleman expressed his regret over the postponement and extended a warm invitation. “I’m disappointed as well,” the Everton captain said. “But I’d love to see you down at the training ground.”
🤳 And here is the video from Seamus Coleman
#️⃣ #EFC pic.twitter.com/1A8zaOiJni
— BBC Sport Merseyside (@bbcmerseysport) December 7, 2024
For Mackenzie, the unexpected invitation was a dream come true. “That’s amazing news,” he said. “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
A historical farewell
Goodison Park has been Everton’s home since 1892 and holds a special place in the hearts of its supporters. The historic stadium will host its final matches this season before the club moves to the state-of-the-art 52,888-seat Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. For lifelong fans like Mackenzie, the transition marks the end of an era.
Although he missed out on the derby, the teenager’s journey underscores the enduring passion that binds football fans to their clubs, no matter the distance. As Mackenzie prepares to meet his heroes, his story has become a testament to the spirit of football—a sport that bridges continents and creates unforgettable moments.
Young Everton fan’s dream to attend a historic derby ends in heartbreak due to a storm but Seamus Coleman’s invite turns it into a cherished memory. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
