Tranmere Rovers Football Club is calling on its supporters to spend the night sleeping out in its stands at Prenton Park to raise funds for housing and homelessness charity Shelter, and the Club’s community ticket scheme.
After taking a pause due to the pandemic, Kip on the is Kop is back for the third annual sleepout on Friday 7th October 2022, and the aim is to get record numbers taking part.
Tranmere Rovers was one of the hundreds of football clubs who supported Shelter’s #NoHomeKit initiative – ditching their home colours and wearing their away kits for their Boxing Day fixture in 2021, in support of those without a home. Following on from that success Tranmere Rovers is keen to work with Shelter again on this year’s Kip on the Kop.
More than 12,500 people in the North West, including more than 5,500 children, were officially recorded as homeless last year. This includes people sleeping rough on the streets and families living in temporary accommodation. Donations made to Shelter from this year’s sleep out will help the charity’s frontline services to continue providing free and expert help to anyone facing homelessness in Merseyside and beyond, as well helping to campaign for lasting change.
Tranmere Rovers community ticket initiative aims to help underprivileged families in the Merseyside region enjoy the atmosphere and day out as a family at Tranmere. The children we reach out to would otherwise not have a chance to be involved in the passion and excitement of attending football matches.
Speaking on our involvement in the event Vice Chairman, Nicola Palios, said: “I'm delighted that we are able to host Kip on the Kop again this year. Tranmere are committed to making a difference in the lives of those in our community who have the least, and people who find themselves homeless are amongst those who need our support the most.
“Kip on the Kop not only raises awareness of the problem of homelessness but also raises vital funds for Shelter and for Tranmere's Community Tickets programme which enables people in difficult circumstances to be able to attend games in a way that most of us take for granted"
Pauline Cox, Regional Community Fundraiser for Shelter Merseyside, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from Tranmere Rovers Football Club, and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who will be sleeping out to fight homelessness this September.
“In the space of a single 90-minute football match, 25 households will become homeless – many of them will be families with children. That’s why the work of our frontline advisers, who are there to give anyone who needs practical help and advice, is so important. Our emergency helpline is open 365 days a year so that no one has to face homelessness alone – but we couldn’t do this without the amazing support of the public and our partners. By kipping on the Kop, Tranmere Rovers fans will be helping us to be there for people whose lives are on the line.”
Registration for Kip on the Kop is just £10 per person with a recommended minimum sponsorship target of £100 per person. To register for the event or for more information please CLICK HERE.
Participants for the Kip on the Kop event will be spending the night on the Argyle Satellite Taxis Kop stand and are advised to wear warm and appropriate clothing. Participants are to provide their own warm weather clothing and sleeping bag. Those who are interested in signing up for the in-person event must be over the age of 18, and no alcohol or dogs can be permitted into Prenton Park.
Alternatively, for those who cannot commit to sleeping outside or who would like to participate with children, there is the option to “Kip on the Couch.” Families can put up a tent or build a den in their garden or living room and spend the night without a bed. Those wanting to take part in “Kip on the Couch” can register for free HERE and are asked to raise a minimum of £40 in donations.
Fundraising packs and further information will be sent over to participants once registered, places are limited, so please register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Please contact pauline_cox@shelter.org.uk to find out more about Kip on the Kop.