Goodison Park’s Legacy Continues as Everton Preserves It for Women’s Team

David Moyes’ side is poised to say an emotional farewell to Goodison Park during the final men’s match at the cherished 132-year-old Liverpool stadium, facing Southampton this Sunday. The event marks not just a conclusion but a significant turning point in the club’s history as they transition to a new chapter.

In a commendable decision, Everton has chosen to preserve the iconic Goodison Park rather than demolish it, opting instead to make it the dedicated home ground for their Women’s Super League team. Currently, the women’s team competes at Walton Hall Park, which has a much smaller capacity. The move to Goodison, which can accommodate 39,572 spectators, will elevate it to the status of the largest stadium in England specifically designated for women’s football.

With an average attendance of 2,062 for league games this season, just short of Walton Hall Park’s capacity, Everton’s women’s team has seen strong support, reflecting the increasing interest and investment in women’s football and indicating a change in the way the sport is viewed and valued.

In the past, under previous ownership, there were ambitious renovation plans for Goodison Park that included developing housing, a care home, retail spaces, and community parks. However, the club’s fortunes changed when The Friedkin Group took over in December, leading to a strategic decision to prioritize the preservation of Goodison Park.

Megan Finnigan, the captain of the women’s team, expressed her enthusiasm for this move, emphasizing its significance in the context of the women’s game: “This decision is a testament to the current state of women’s football and, more importantly, the future we’re building.Goodison is not simply a stadium; it’s steeped in tradition and has significant connections with the local community, making it a fantastic site for our club.”

Goodison Park will also serve as a location for other youth academy matches, further strengthening its role as a vital hub for the club’s future players. . Angus Kinnear, Everton’s chief executive, elaborated on the importance of retaining such a legendary stadium, stating, “We recognize how precious Goodison Park is not only to every Evertonian but to the game itself. Ensuring that this iconic venue remains at the heart of our legacy project is a priority for us.”

Kinnear also acknowledged the exponential growth of women’s football in recent years, stating, “The women’s game has seen remarkable growth, and we wholeheartedly believe that this trajectory will continue to soar. We are fully aware that there will be challenges to face, both practically and economically, but we are optimistic that we will find solutions and successfully navigate these obstacles.”