Outbound Programme to Liverpool John Moores University: Goodison Park and Finch Farm, Everton

20th August 2014

Today is Wednesday, according to the time table given to us by Dr. Nazali Noor, there's a study visit to Everton Football Club stadium, Goodison Park and Finch Farm, it's training facilities. And that is exactly what we did. We all gathered in front of the Liberty Atlantic Point at 9.15 a.m. sharp. Everyone behaved including Q and Nabila and no one was late today. Dr. Naz was a happy man indeed. The bus arrived and we hit the road to Goodison Park at 9.20 a.m. We reached there around 9.30 a.m.

Everyone entering the bus excitedly

Everton Football Club stadium, Goodison Park

Upon reaching there, we waited outside the stadium for about half an hour, because the appointment was at 10 a.m. After it reached 10 a.m., we entered the stadium and were escorted to the meeting room. Breakfast was provided. Coffee, tea and biscuits was served. Not long after, Richard Cairnns, the facilities manager of the stadium arrived. While we enjoy the free breakfast, Richard introduced himself and start the presentation. Since it is a football stadium, the core business is football. Helping the facilities manager are 3 facilities operative/general handy man. They not only provide a football field and training facilities, they also ensure the health and well being of the current squad and this means providing a clean, safe and comfortable environment. The stadium needs to be operational for 30 matches every year, be able to accommodate 41000 spectators and up to 1000 staff. Safety is the most important thing and all matches are run in accordance to current legislation. There are also chef, kitchen staff and laundry staff. Plumber, electrician from Goodison Park to Finch Farm if required. However, major maintenance on the off season, contractors are hired. Works required by legislation takes priority. Works required by the Premier League and FA comes next. Other works are prioritized by how they affect the core business.

Everyone enjoying their free breakfast, especially Zea's crush, Adam. *sorry Adam and Zea. huhu

After Richard finished his presentation, we continued the study visit by touring the stadium. We are separated into two groups, one group is being guided by Richard and the second group are being guided by John, the Health and Safety Manager.

Richard Cairnns and the most handsome man in the room

View of the stadium from the highest point of the stadium (1)

Dressing Room (where the players change and given pep talk by the manager)

Exercise equipment are also provided in the dressing room

One of many lounge in the stadium

The hallway where players use to walk from the dressing room to the football pitch

View of the stadium from the highest point of the stadium (2)

After the tour finished, around 12.00 p.m. we were escorted to the cafeteria where lunch was provided. Unfortunately it was only free for some of the students. Apparently, they were the best group and Dr. Naz paid for their lunch and the rest of us, we have to pay on our own. We ate rice with chicken added with fries. Kamarul Ihsan nearly eat pork, fortunately someone warned him before he eat it. He thought it was lamb.

Everyone enjoying their lunch especially the ones who ate it for free

Syukri, Mike and Umair smile as their stomach is filled with delicious food. Not sure why Syukri wear shades indoor.

After all of our empty stomach are treated with delicious food, we continued our study visit to Finch Farm, Everton training facilities. The journey took almost half an hour, it is quite far from the stadium. Unfortunately all the first team players are on holiday. Bummer. Wanted to meet the first team player and maybe play some football with them. The Finch Farm is a training complex for the Everton's players including the academy players. Energy and environmental consideration were paramount. The facility can be run and maintained by a relatively small in house maintenance crew. Latest technology which conserve energy are used.