After the Tranmere Rovers home game on Saturday 18 December, the Kop end of the pitch plays host to a carol concert and readings from the Christmas story. This year, singer-songwriter Katie Ritson, will lead the carols and perform a solo. Some will stay on after the match, others will come for the carols, entry is free with refreshments and Father Christmas in attendance to keep all ages entertained before the start.
The 'Carols on the Kop' event is free to attend and starts at 6.00pm on 18 December 2021
Rev'd Matt Graham, vicar of St Stephen's Prenton is a chaplain at the football club. As a chaplain, he spends time getting to know people, building relationships, and offering support when needed. "Carols on the Kop is one of the opportunities we have to be more proactive. The event attracts and engages with different people in the community and is one of the clubs Super White Christmas Appeal events. Money raised via bucket collections at home games and Carols on the Kop help fund a Christmas party with gifts for underprivileged children in the area, and also a Boxing Day meal for 80+ homeless people."
Matt sees his involvement with Tranmere Rovers as an essential part of his ministry; "Prenton Park is part of the parish here in Prenton, and as one of the chaplains, it’s a huge privilege to be able to be linked with the club, especially in their efforts to serve the community. I sometimes describe my job as explaining what a Christian is, and telling people how they can be one. One of the things I love about being linked with Tranmere Rovers, even in small way as one of the chaplains, is the club’s spirit of resilience and determination. In the face of all the challenges of Covid, it would be easy to switch to survival mode and excuse putting ourselves first. The Super White Christmas Appeal is just one example of how Tranmere Rovers haven’t responded like that."