Blues To Play Rooney TestimonialWayne Rooney has chosen Everton to play in his testimonial match on August 3 against Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Chairman Bill Kenwright and skipper Phil Jagielka declaring that the Blues will look forward with pride to contributing suitably to the occasion – and will look to win.
Rooney returned to Goodison last year to play in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial game against Villarreal and the Everton Chairman could not be more pleased that the Everton Academy graduate has chosen his boyhood club for his own testimonial in the build-up to the new season.
He said: “I couldn’t be more proud today of the young man who I first saw as an extraordinary 13-year-old.
“I was thrilled for him last August when Goodison Park showed him its admiration as he ran on to the pitch for his first hero, Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial.
“Subsequently, it was one of the easiest decisions we have ever made at Everton in agreeing to support Wayne Rooney’s testimonial by playing Manchester United at Old Trafford this August.
“We will try to win, Wayne, I promise you – but we will nonetheless be saluting one of our own who has gone on to become one of sport’s great icons. And who still retains all of the genius, passion, and love for the game that was there when he was thirteen.”
Jagielka knows Rooney well from their time together on international duty and the Everton captain paid tribute to the England captain ahead of a game which will kickstart a year of fundraising events aimed at raising £5 million for disadvantaged and vulnerable children, with Rooney’s Foundation working closely with four charities - Alder Hey Children‘s Hospital, NSPCC, Claire House Children‘s Hospice and the Manchester United Foundation.
“I am delighted to be involved in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial,” Jagielka said. “It’s fantastic that he has chosen to play against us.
“Obviously, he was given his chance by Everton and it’s nice that he feels it will be a fantastic game and that we can put a show on.
“Hopefully, we can raise a lot of money for the charities and everyone has a fantastic day. It’s a fantastic feat to have done what he’s done in the game and I am really looking forward to playing in the game and hopefully getting the win as well.”
All proceeds from the testimonial game will be distributed through the newly-launched Wayne Rooney Foundation to the four chosen charities.
Each of the charities have been selected because of Rooney’s personal commitment to the organisations and the children they help. Money raised by the Foundation will enable each charity to create legacy projects, providing expert help for a generation of children faced with often overwhelming health issues, abuse and educational challenges.
Announcing details of his testimonial match and the official launch of The Wayne Rooney Foundation, which has BT as its principal partner, Rooney said: “For me there could not be a more special testimonial match. Manchester United and Everton are the only clubs I have played for as a professional footballer. I am happy to say now that, whatever may happen in the future, I will never play for another Premier League club.
“I owe United and Everton everything for giving me my footballing opportunities. Through the Wayne Rooney Foundation I want to put something back and, at the same time, say a heartfelt thanks to everyone at these great clubs who ever helped me in my career.
“Everton and United, along with my family, gave me the support and opportunity to help me achieve my goals and dreams. Having a young family of my own makes me realise it’s vital that every child gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential.
“I hope The Wayne Rooney Foundation and its charity partners can improve and inspire the lives of children disadvantaged by family breakdown, abuse, health issues or lack of educational opportunities.”
Tickets for the Wayne Rooney testimonial match between Manchester United and Everton on August 3 will be available from Monday, June 13. Please note that the customer number of each attending supporter must be given at the point of sale.
The Club will receive an initial allocation of 3,097 tickets, the prices of which are as follows:
Adults block STH 229 - £35.00
Adults - £30.00
Under 16 - £10.00
Please note that, with any concessionary ticket purchased, proof of age will be required on entry into the stadium.
Tickets will go on sale in the following order of priority:
16/17 STH with 8+ credits from 15/16 season from Monday 13th June at 8.00am
16/17 STH with 5+ credits from 15/16 season from Wednesday 15th June at 8.00am
16/17 STH with 2+ credits from 15/16 season from Friday 17th June at 8.00am
16/17 season tickets holders from Monday 20th June at 8.00am
If tickets remain they will go on general sale from Monday 20th June at 8.00am
Please note, as this will be a bespoke ticket design, the ticket dispatch/issue will not be immediate and all tickets will be posted once Everton receive them.
Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone on 0151 556 1878 or in person at the Park End box office. Opening times for all our ticketing outlets can be found here.
Those wishing to donate to The Wayne Rooney Foundation to help its work through its partner charities can also do so by visiting:
www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/waynerooneyfoundation