Everton have announced that their women’s team will move into Goodison Park from the 2025-26 season onwards.
Everton’s Men Senior Team are set to play their last-ever match at Goodison Park on Sunday 18 May against Southampton at 12pm BST ahead of their move to Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, but the club have now decided to also retain Goodison Park.
This decision has been made following a ‘in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project’ which was launched in 2020 to decide how best to ensure the current stadium’s legacy after the men’s team leave, with the ultimate decision taken to ensure ‘that football must be kept at the heart of Everton’s community.’
It has consequently resulted in the decision to upgrade the women’s team from Walton Hall Park to Goodison Park on a permanent basis, with development put in case to ensure that the stadium facilities are of adequate use at the start of the 2025-26 season, whilst generating economic value for local businesses on matchdays.
Everton Women’s captain, Megan Finnigan has welcomed this decision as “a testatement of where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading.”
Finnigan proceeded to speak of her excitement at leading the Toffees out as captain at Goodison Park on permanent basis as a huge achievement.
“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 – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”
Academy fixtures will also be played at Goodison Park, whilst Walton Hall Park is set to continue hosting grassroots, community and development programmes across women’s football at all age levels.
Everton CEO, Angus Kinnear acknowledged the “treasured” importance of Goodison Park to not just fans but football as a whole, as he welcomed this development.
“From next season, we are proud to say our women will have an unrivalled permanent home in the WSL – another statement of intent as we look to build the foundations that will help us challenge for trophies.
“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.”
Everton Fan Advisory Board Chairman, Dave Kelly echoed Kinnear’s view as he spoke of Goodison Park as a “glorious home” since 1892 and believes that the club has done right in passing the baton onto the women’s team given the sport’s growth.
“It has been a glorious home for the men’s team since 1892, and for it now to be transformed into a home for Everton Women is something I know many if not every Blue will support.
“The women’s game is growing hugely, and it is only fitting that we have a ground that provides the opportunity for Everton Women to be at the forefront of that growth, enabling us to hopefully challenge for honours. It is a historic moment for the Club and our wonderful stadium.”
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