In an exciting development for women’s football, Goodison Park is set to become the home ground for Everton Women’s team after the club decided against demolishing the historic 132-year-old stadium. This decision marks a significant shift in strategy for the club, which is undergoing numerous changes following its acquisition by the Friedkin Group. With the men’s team relocating to a new, modern 53,000-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in the upcoming summer, the historic venue will retain its legacy by continuing to host football matches and nurturing the women’s game.
Goodison Park has an impressive capacity of 39,572, which adds to its status as the largest dedicated women’s football stadium in the UK. This renovation not only preserves the stadium’s identity but also underscores the club’s commitment to investing in women’s football—a move lauded by Everton’s management. The club highlighted this long-term vision, stating that it reflects a dedication to both the sport and the local community, positioning Goodison Park as a remarkable venue central to Liverpool’s football culture.
Originally, there were plans that involved demolishing Goodison Park to make way for a mixed-use development featuring housing, retail units, a care home, and a park. These proposals were set in motion by Everton’s previous ownership before the Friedkin Group took over in December. Once in control, the new ownership conducted a feasibility study that revealed the potential benefits of maintaining the iconic stadium, leading to this significant decision. The opportunity to develop Goodison Park further enhances the legacy of Everton’s historical connection to the game and seeks to benefit the women’s team, traditionally viewed as a powerhouse of women’s football.
For context, Everton Women’s team has called Walton Hall Park home since 2020. Nonetheless, this venue’s capacity of only 2,200—with merely 500 seated—has restricted spectator engagement. Everton Women once enjoyed a peak in success, highlighted by a league title in 1998 and significant cup wins in the late 2010s, as well as a strong showing in the Champions League in 2011. However, in recent years, the team faced challenges, with performances waning under previous ownership. During that period, Everton never finished higher than fifth in the Women’s Super League (WSL)—culminating in a disappointing eighth-place finish this season.
Following the announcement of their new home, improvements to Goodison Park are on the horizon, which include enhanced changing room facilities and an exterior rebranding to reflect the rich history of the women’s team and its current players. Furthermore, Walton Hall Park will continue to serve the grassroots level of women’s football in Liverpool, providing an essential pathway for young talent.
As Everton prepares for this transition, they are expected to host selected academy matches at Goodison Park starting next season. The club has also opted to discontinue its arrangement with Haig Avenue, the former home of the under-21s side, signifying a shift towards consolidating their operations within the immediate community.
Commenting on the significance of this move, BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders noted the exciting prospects for Everton Women’s team under the new ownership. The Friedkin Group’s track record in women’s sports shows promise; since taking control of AS Roma, they’ve achieved notable success within Italy’s women’s football landscape. This history of fostering talent and success in women’s football is anticipated to enhance Everton’s ambitions to revive its former glories.
Collectively, these developments point towards a bright future for Everton Women’s team, reinstating their place in the football hierarchy whilst fostering a stronger, more engaged fanbase. Goodison Park, being deeply embedded in Everton’s heritage, is set to play an instrumental role in this transformative journey. This move not only affirms the club’s strategy of enhancing women’s football but also serves to fortify their communal ties in Liverpool, creating an environment conducive to growth and success in the sport.