Australian Teenager Who Traveled 10,000 Miles for Derby Meets Team

A teenager from Australia, who journeyed 10,000 miles to attend the Merseyside derby to support his favored team, Everton, and found the match subsequently canceled, has since visited the club’s training facility to interact with the players. Mackenzie, a resident of Sydney, was resolute in his intention to witness the Blues’ last encounter with Liverpool at Goodison Park prior to their relocation to a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. The fixture, originally scheduled for an early kick-off on Saturday, was postponed due to safety concerns as Storm Darragh impacted Merseyside. Nevertheless, the 15-year-old expressed being “over the moon” following an invitation from Everton to visit the club’s Finch Farm training complex. Mackenzie, whose mother, Rita, was born in Liverpool and whose family, also Everton supporters, continues to reside in the city, declined funds for driving lessons to undertake the trip, driven by a desire “to be part of history.” Subsequent to the match’s cancellation, club captain Seamus Coleman conveyed a video message to Mackenzie, stating he was “disappointed as well.” The fullback further informed Mackenzie that he “would love to see you down the training ground.” The Australian Everton supporter had the opportunity to converse with the first-team squad and manager Sean Dyche, and also participated in a training session. While at Finch Farm, he remarked: “It’s truly an honour to be here and it’s kind of surreal how close I am to everyone. “These are the guys who are going to go out on Saturday and beat Arsenal. It’s so crazy that I’m just this close to them.” Mackenzie’s experience further improved when centre-back James Tarkowski extended an offer to arrange a ticket for the teenager to attend the upcoming away match against Arsenal. Tarkowski commented: “This club goes global and to see someone whose travelled half-way around the world just to come and watch a game it’s amazing,” adding, “I’m gutted for him, I was gutted for myself that the game wasn’t on, but a little a gesture from the club to come and meet the lads today.” Mackenzie subsequently stated: “I didn’t think they would care this much to be honest. “All I really did was come from Australia, I’m just a fan really just like everyone else who came for the derby. “I’m really surprised I’ve gotten this much attention for that.” When questioned about his potential attendance at the rescheduled derby, the schoolboy responded: “I’ll figure it out, I’ll find a way.”