Everton have announced that their historic stadium, Goodison Park, will become the permanent home of the club’s women’s team, scrapping earlier plans to demolish the 132-year-old ground.
The decision marks a significant shift in strategy from the club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, who took over in December 2024. Previously, the site was set to undergo an £82 million regeneration project to make way for housing, shops, a care home and a public park, following the men’s team’s relocation to the new 53,000-seater Bramley-Moore Dock stadium this summer.
However, following a feasibility study and months of internal discussions, the club has confirmed that Goodison Park will remain in use — this time as the country’s largest dedicated women’s football stadium, boasting a 39,572 capacity.
“This long-term vision reflects the club’s commitment to investing in the women’s game,” read a club statement. “Goodison Park will continue to play a vital role in both football and the community. For supporters, it offers the chance to be part of a new era in one of football’s most iconic venues.”
Club CEO Angus Kinnear added: “We know how treasured Goodison is, not only to every Evertonian, but to the game itself. Being able to keep such an iconic stadium at the heart of the legacy project has been incredibly important to us.”
The announcement represents a milestone moment for Everton Women, who have played at Walton Hall Park since 2020. That stadium holds just 2,200 spectators, with only 500 seats, and features a hybrid playing surface. In contrast, Goodison will offer a world-class facility and significant room for growth in line with the rising popularity of the women’s game.
Historically, Everton Women have been one of England’s leading sides, winning the league title in 1998 and domestic cup competitions in the late 2000s. They also reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals in 2011. But under previous owner Farhad Moshiri, the team gradually lost its competitive edge, failing to finish above fifth place during his tenure. This season, they ended in eighth, with an average home attendance of 2,062.
The club plans to upgrade changing room facilities at Goodison and rebrand the exterior to reflect the women’s team’s legacy and future ambitions. Walton Hall Park will continue to serve grassroots football, with a focus on the girls’ game.
Fans and former players welcomed the news with enthusiasm. Julie Clarke, secretary of the Everton Fan Advisory Board, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m beyond thrilled. Men’s teams think Goodison is one of the hardest grounds to visit, so hopefully that becomes the case for our women’s team. The new owners could have made a profit selling the land, but they chose to invest in the community.”
Former Everton and England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis echoed the sentiment: “It is fabulous news. Everton Women have played at several different grounds, but none of them have felt like home. It feels like this is Everton Women coming home.”
Goodison Park will also host select academy fixtures from next season, including those of the under-21 side, who previously played 16 miles away in Southport.
While many Everton supporters had emotionally prepared for a final farewell to Goodison this weekend, the announcement has shifted the tone of Sunday’s fixture against relegated Southampton. Barry Williams of the Everton Fans’ Forum said: “It feels like a bit of an anticlimax, but I’m glad it’s staying.”
With the backing of The Friedkin Group — who have already shown success investing in women’s football through their ownership of AS Roma — Everton Women are set for a promising future. As the women’s game continues its rapid rise in popularity, Everton are staking their claim with one of football’s most storied stages.
