Everton Women will permanently move Goodison Park when their new stadium is ready in 2025-26 season. This huge step reflects the rapid pace of growth for the team. Now they require a bigger home as Walton Hall Park is no longer big enough to fit their supporters in. The state-of-the-art stadium has an official capacity of 39,572. Before long it will be the biggest stadium in the country built entirely for women’s football.
The decision comes after Everton Women finished eighth in the Women’s Super League (WSL) last season, highlighting the club’s ambition to elevate its standing in women’s football. Goodison Park Everton Women have a great history on the men’s ground. It has even hosted high-profile events such as the Merseyside derby versus Liverpool Women.
Walton Hall Park, the team’s home since 2020, will still play a vital role in supporting grassroots, community, and development programs for women’s and girls’ football, ensuring that the club remains committed to nurturing talent at all levels.
A Historic Venue for Women’s Football
Goodison Park may now be an important site for Everton, but its historical importance dates back even further into women’s football. On December 27, 1920, it witnessed a match between Dick, Kerr Ladies and St. Helens Ladies, drawing an astonishing attendance of over 45,000 spectators. With a large accompanying protest, this made for a historic and defining day for the women’s game. Only months after, the FA implemented a ban preventing female players from playing on any affiliated pitches, a ruling that persisted for the next 50 years.
The continued return of women’s football to Goodison Park is both a sign of things changed and still changing, on and off the pitch. It further demonstrates the sport’s growing popularity. Everton Women’s captain, Megan Finnigan, expressed her excitement about the move:
“This move is a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading. Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community. Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight.” – Megan Finnigan
Ambition and Legacy
As Everton CEO Angus Kinnear pointed out, this move isn’t just a pragmatic change. He spoke passionately about the need to leave a legacy for the club and the fans that would last a lifetime.
“The women’s game has grown significantly in recent years, and we believe that growth will continue and accelerate. We’re under no illusions; there are obstacles we need to overcome to make this a success both practically and economically, but we’re confident that we will overcome those challenges.” – Angus Kinnear
Richie Gillham, the Secretary of Everton FC Heritage Society, echoed this desire. He underscored the fact that the relocation to Goodison Park was intended to develop a legacy that honors the club’s rich history and that it looks ahead to the organization’s future goals.
“This is about more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about building a legacy.” – Richie Gillham
Future Prospects and Preparation
Goodison Park will need significant investment to bring it up to modern standards. It’s getting ready though, with new surface and installations, to receive Everton Women for their first-ever match in 2025. Goodison will continue to host the women’s team and some chosen academy fixtures. It will include the further development of Everton in the Community’s L4 campus.
Brian Sorensen, head coach of Everton Women, expressed his pride in the move, calling it a landmark moment for the team:
“Moving to Goodison Park is a huge moment for everyone connected to Everton Women. To call one of the most iconic stadiums in world football our permanent home is a privilege and a clear sign of the ambition this club has for the women’s team.” – Brian Sorensen
On International Women’s Day, this transition was a historic achievement for Everton Women. Their aspiration is to enhance their standing in the women’s game and create a culture of competition that can challenge for silverware.
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