Virgil van Dijk leaves Liverpool fans ‘speechless’ with a surprising gesture.
As part of Liverpool’s extended partnership with Cadbury, Virgil van Dijk has surprised fan Mikey Ryan, who is on their job scheme.
The club has expanded its partnership with Cadbury, started in 2020, to support local people and businesses.
When launched, Cadbury created a limited edition Liverpool FC Champions Dairy Milk Bar, available from official club stores.
Proceeds from the sale of these bars have been donated to Liverpool FC’s virtual employability scheme, providing £25,000 to help launch the initiative.
In addition to the funds raised, Cadbury employees volunteer to run the official Liverpool FC Works programme, providing participants with knowledge and practical business advice. Mikey Ryan works as an assistant coach for the Premier League Primary Stars and within the LFC Foundation and is a mentee on the scheme.
After five months of virtual mentoring sessions, Cadbury mentor Matt Parker met Mikey in person for the first time.
Unbeknownst to the young fan, Parker brought in Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk, who surprised a “speechless” Mikey with a trip to Anfield.
As the Reds warmed up he was able to take Jurgen Klopp’s place in the dugout and was again greeted by the number 4 on the touchline before watching the game from the stands.
“You know people can suffer from a lot of things in many ways, but you never know,” Mikey Van Dijk said of his role when they first met. “But at this time of day you have to try to make it the best time possible and that’s what I just try to do when I deliver.”
With the partnership extended, Cadbury and Liverpool FC continue to build on the success of the past three years by delivering bigger and better fan experiences ahead of Cadbury’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
When the 2023/24 season kicks off in August, Cadbury will launch its biggest ticket draw yet, giving Liverpool FC fans the chance to cheer on the Reds and experience the magic of Anfield.
Fans have the chance to win thousands of prizes each week, including hospitality experiences, game cards and cash prizes. Learn more here.
