Ahead of Everton Football Club’s historic move from Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Men’s Senior Team defender James Tarkowski visited Everton Free School & Football College to support Year 10 students taking part in a special Goodbye Goodison creative writing project.

The initiative, organised by the school’s English Department, provided students with a unique opportunity to reflect on the history, memories, and community significance of Goodison Park. Through a structured poetry exercise, students explored themes of tradition, identity, teamwork, and the emotions associated with the stadium, which has been central to the lives of fans, players, and the local community for generations.
James said: ‘‘It was my first time in the Free School and it was fantastic to engage with the students and see how they’re using the history of Goodison to inspire their learning.

‘‘I was listening to some of the things they’d written and the ideas they’d had for the poem and I was really impressed.

‘‘Everton as a Club obviously do a lot in the community but hearing the was these students speak about the school and what it has done for them, how much its changed their lives, it’s so important and brilliant to hear.’’

During his visit, James worked closely with the students, offering guidance and encouragement as they created their poems. In addition to the classroom session, James took time to tour the school, visiting the newly opened library and meeting with both staff and students. This gave him a first-hand view of the school’s facilities and programmes, highlighting the shared commitment to learning, creativity, and development between Everton Football Club and Everton Free School.
 

The students’ poems captured a wide range of emotions — from the excitement of matchdays to the sense of community that Goodison Park fosters. Their work has been compiled into a commemorative display at the school, ensuring that the voices of young people form part of the celebration of Goodison Park’s legacy.

Principal Claire Lamontagne said:
“We are extremely grateful to Everton Football Club and to James Tarkowski for giving our students and staff their time, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Opportunities like this strengthen the connection between our school and the Club, and they leave a lasting impact on our young people. Everton FC’s support of our school continues to be invaluable, and this visit was a fantastic example of how the Club and Everton Free School can work together to inspire, engage, and motivate our students.”

The visit reflects Everton FC’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and education, highlighting the Club’s dedication to inspiring young people through creative and academic initiatives. By combining football, literature, and personal reflection, the Goodbye Goodison poetry project allowed students to celebrate the stadium’s heritage and explore their own voices as writers. 

Through this collaborative project, Everton Free School students contributed to a meaningful tribute to Goodison Park. The poems not only commemorate a historic chapter in Everton’s story but also celebrate the enduring connection between the Club, its fans, and the next generation of learners, reinforcing the ongoing partnership between Everton FC and the school.