Goodison Park, the iconic 132-year-old home of Everton FC, is set to become the new base for the club’s women’s team. This decision follows the club’s U-turn on demolishing the historic stadium, making it the largest dedicated women’s football stadium in the UK with a capacity of 39,572.
From Walton Hall to Football Fortress
Everton Women, who have played at Walton Hall Park since 2020, will now move to Goodison Park. Walton Hall, with just 2,200 seats and limited facilities, couldn’t match the ambition of a team once among the elite in English women’s football.
Investment Over Demolition
Initially, the previous owners had planned an £82m redevelopment project at Goodison after moving the men’s team to their new 53,000-seater arena at Bramley-Moore Dock. However, following the takeover by The Friedkin Group in December, the club shifted focus toward preserving and repurposing Goodison Park.
A feasibility study led to the decision to keep the stadium operational, making it the vibrant new home of Everton Women and hosting selected academy matches.
Club Vision: Football and Community United
“This long-term vision reflects the club’s commitment to investing in the women’s game and ensuring that Goodison Park continues to play a vital role in both football and the community,” Everton stated.
CEO Angus Kinnear added, “We know how treasured Goodison is, not only to every Evertonian, but to the game itself.”
Facilities and Fan Experience to Improve
Everton plans to renovate the stadium’s changing rooms and rebrand the exterior to highlight the women’s team’s legacy. This includes integrating team history into the site design and improving fan facilities.
Everton will also use Walton Hall Park for grassroots football, focusing especially on the girls’ game.
Strong Foundations for Future Glory
Everton Women were once WSL champions in 1998 and reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2011. Although the team declined under previous ownership, finishing eighth this season, the Friedkin Group aims to restore them to top-tier status.
They’ve already invested in players during the January window and plan further reinforcements this summer, aiming to build a squad that can challenge for silverware.
Fans Welcome the News
Julie Clarke from the Everton Fan Advisory Board praised the move, saying, “Goodison is one of the hardest grounds to play at. Now, Everton Women get to call it home.”
Others echoed her views, celebrating that the club chose heritage and community over profit.
Symbolic Yet Bittersweet Transition
The final men’s first-team game at Goodison Park is scheduled against Southampton. While some fans had emotionally prepared for a farewell, the decision to retain the stadium has softened the blow.
“I’m glad it’s staying,” said Barry Williams of Everton Fans’ Forum. “It feels like a bit of an anticlimax, but in a good way.”
Friedkin Group’s Proven Track Record
Since acquiring AS Roma in 2020, The Friedkin Group have turned their women’s team into champions of the Supercoppa Italiana and a powerhouse in Serie A. With Goodison Park as a springboard, they aim to do the same with Everton Women.
Goodison Park is not just a venue — it’s a cornerstone for Everton’s legacy and future ambitions in the women’s game.
