Liverpool F.C. vs Everton F.C.

Football is a way of life here in England. Especially, living here in Liverpool, where many people ask, "Who's your favourite team?" Football (soccer to all of us Americans) is a HUGE part of the culture here in England but especially to those in Liverpool, since two of the football clubs (F.C.) are based here in Liverpool. Since I had been hearing about how great Liverpool F.C. is and how great Everton F.C. is, going all way back to sitting in the airport in Chicago waiting for the plane (I overheard two gentleman heading back to Manchester going back and forth about the rivalry between the two clubs.) So I decided that I would go along with some friends from school and tour both stadiums to see for myself if one football team was better than the other.

The history of football really starts off with the Everton Football Club. According to our tour guide many "firsts" (as in first standard rules for football, first use of goalie markings) was started with the Everton F. C. They haven't won many trophies so in comparison to the Liverpool F.C. they are not as good. But they are known as being one of the most hospitable teams. That has to count for something.


The Liverpool F.C. is the team with all the wins and trophies here. their home field is Anfield Stadium and their motto is, "You'll Never Walk Alone." Which first appeared as their motto and tribute to the fans who died watching a semi-final game on special stadium roof seats that collapsed. While touring Anfield Stadium, it definitely felt majestic in comparison to Everton F.C. everything just felt bigger. Both football clubs share a rich history in Liverpool and there is a park that sits exactly between both stadiums, which on game day is filled with fans for both teams. You can just imagine what a few game day beers, tailgating, and one or two snide comments will create in that park. Just be sure that if you ever go there during game day, you know which side to walk on (Everton fans are on one side and Liverpool fans are on the other.) I am really glad that I was able to experience and go on these tours, because I feel like I am now able to understand at least the football culture a little better here. Now, if only I can figure out how rugby is played!

Travel: Tours of Goodison Football Stadium (Everton F.C.) and Anfield Stadium Liverpool F.C.)

 

Adventure: To learn more about Liverpool's rival football teams

 

Discover: England takes their football here very seriously. The field is called a "pitch;" a game is called a "match;" and a team is called a "club." Also, I should really watch an actual football/soccer game/match from start to finish.

 

Goodinson Football Stadium

Me with friends McKenzie, Katy, and Stephen at Goodinson

Anfield Stadium

Me with friends Katy, McKenzie, and Stephen at Anfield Stadium

 

Traveling Around the City

Coming from a rather large city but leaving in a very residential area, I have never taken public transportation. Except for the few times I have traveled to Chicago for the day on the train. My city has public transportation and the bus hum is quite close to where I live, but there was never a reason to use the transportation. Here in Liverpool, public bus transportation is how you get anywhere in the city (or you use your two feet.) Now Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI,  are both cities with good transportation systems. They have nothing on the European transit. The buses are on time, clean, and the bus drivers are very nice and run a tight ship....or rather bus.

Today, a group of us international students decided that we wanted to go exploring into the city...except none of us knew where we were going or what to do. Our very nice RA (residential assistant of our dorm floor) offered to take us into the city and show us around. We started off at 8:30am (this is very early for British students, who are accustomed to staying out at clubs until the early morning and sleeping until the midmorning.) Bus fare was quite cheap, and the buses don't seem to get busy until around 4pm. From Liverpool Hope University it takes about 20 minutes to get to the City Centre. The City Centre has all sorts of shops and restaurants. It is also where Albert Dock is, many boats and ships still sail from here. Matthew Street is just off of City Centre where the most famous band ever got their start. For as large as the city is (think Chicago, IL,) and for as many people who are coming and going, for how old the city itself is, what kept running through my mind was, "It's so clean. Everything...the streets, buses, buildings, everything is so clean." The city gives huge fines if people so much as leave a cigarette butt on the sidewalk, so Liverpool takes it's littering very seriously. Because it's such a clean city, it makes touring, shopping, and hanging about much more enjoyable!

Travel: to Liverpool City Center 

Adventure: Navigating through the City and Bus System

Discover: Taking public transportation does not have to be stressful and I am more confident in finding my way around.

The Beatles Shop on Matthew Street

 

(2nd picture: Fish N' Chips plate from Browns; Lovely ladies whom I went traveling with)

 

 

Places to Visit: Albert Docks, Matthew Street, The Cavern, St. John shopping area, Liverpool One

 

Place to Eat: Brown's Bar & Brasserie http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/locations/liverpool/