EFC Heritage Society – Tour of Finch Farm
The EFCHS was privileged to have been invited to take a tour of Everton Football Club’s training facility at Finch Farm in Halewood. We were guided throughout by Darren Griffiths and Ian Snodin, whose entertaining repartee added to what was already a fascinating tour. We extend our sincere thanks to them, and to the Club for their kind invitation.
For me personally, it was like going home. I grew up close to the farm in Halewood, and as a youngster I used to catch frogs and newts in the ponds in these fields, while later in my teens during school holidays I used to earn a few quid picking strawberries in the fields surrounding Finch farmhouse where the training pitches are now. There was a lodge house on Finch Lane exactly where the security building at the modern entrance is now, and the farm was just off to the side of the present main building where the Sid Benson pitch is now.
Of course, in those days the training ground was at Bellefield, then rated as the best in the country, and not in a million years did I think, while picking the fruit, that one day this would be exactly where the Blues would be training, with an the Academy rated as the best in the country. Just wish it was there when we were living up the road. Not that we would ever devise a way of bunking in to watch our heroes train of course. Well not in the close season anyway.
Right, sorry, went off on one there. It all gets a bit nostalgic. But if you’re from Halewood or interested in the history of the area, you can find more at www.halewood.org.uk
The fist row of the gallery shows what the site used to look like. Click images to enlarge. (Photos Mike Royden)
Mike Royden
This article and gallery originally appeared on Mike Royden’s History Pages
Can you walk around finch farm and meet any players thank you
Hello Anita, You would have to contact the club directly, they may be able to arrange a visit for you.
Hi, I would love to take a tour around finch farm and meet the current players as this is a lifelong dream. How can I do this please?
We cannot arrange this for you I’m afraid Sophie, you would have to contact the club directly through the official website.
My partner is coming 30 on July he is Everton mad doesn’t miss a match home or away started matches when he was 8 his dream has always been to meet some of the players he has had a very tough growing up from the minute he was born his mum and dad had to make a very difficult decision to keep him alive and he struggles every day with his health I would love nothing more than to be able to give something that meant so much to him can someone please point me in the right direction to make his dream come true
Hello Amy, This sounds like a great idea – however, you would need to contact Everton FC direct to arrange such a visit. You will find their contact details on the club website.
Hope your plan works out!