Football fans are being invited to swap their beds for sleeping bags to raise money for local people experiencing homelessness. The annual Kip on the Kop sleepout is returning to Anfield for its fourth year alongside comedian and Liverpool fan John Bishop. Participants will spend the night on the iconic Kop stand to help generate funds and awareness for housing challenges across the city.
Event Details and Impact
Organisers say the event offers supporters a chance to reflect on the reality faced by people without a safe place to call home. Last year, more than 400 supporters joined forces to raise more than £119,000 for local community charities. John Bishop will sleep out alongside fellow supporters, having previously been joined by former Liverpool players and local personalities.
John Bishop said: “Kip on the Kop is a really special event because it brings so many people together for such an important cause. Spending one night on the Kop doesn’t compare to the reality that many people face, but it does make you stop and think.”
He added: “Homelessness is not just rough sleeping; it is not having a place to call home and moving between hostels. That is something too many people – including children – experience in our city. By joining us in Kip on the Kop, you are taking a step to end that once and for all.”
He continued: “The support last year was incredible, and hopefully even more Reds will sign up for this September so we can raise even more money for two organisations doing fantastic work across our communities.”
Partnership with Liverpool Homeless FC and LFC Foundation
John Finnigan, chief executive officer of Liverpool Homeless FC, said: “The partnership between Liverpool Homeless Football Club and the LFC Foundation continues to have a transformative impact on both our organisation and the people we support – extending far beyond football.”
He added: “The LFC Foundation's ongoing investment enables us to expand our services, strengthen our delivery and create meaningful opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.”
Money raised will fund mentoring and job training schemes alongside essential outreach work across the Liverpool City Region. The event is a collaborative effort between Liverpool FC Foundation and Liverpool Homeless FC, aiming to address root causes of homelessness.
How to Participate
Date: Saturday, September 26. Location: The Kop Stand, Anfield Stadium, Liverpool. Cost: Registration details and sign-up options are available online. To find out more information, register, or make a donation, visit: www.liverpoolfc.com/foundation/kip-kop (note: no link in text as per instructions).
Participants are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and warm clothing. The event includes entertainment and food, with all proceeds going to charity. Organisers hope to exceed last year's fundraising total and welcome supporters from across the region.
