Goodison Park will become the permanent home of Everton women’s team after David Moyes’ side hosts Southampton at the stadium on Sunday.
The club announced the decision this week after a comprehensive feasibility study commissioned by Everton’s owners, the Friedkin Group (TFG).
Sunday’s contest against relegated Southampton will be the men’s final game at the iconic ground before they move to the new £800 million stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Goodison Park is one of English football’s most iconic venues.
The initial plan was to demolish the stadium, but it will continue to serve the game by becoming a cornerstone of the women’s game.
TFG has a history of driving success in women’s football.
The American owners did a stellar job with Roma’s women’s team and are set to repeat that trick with the Toffees.
Handing Goodison Park to Brian Sorensen’s side is a bold step towards elevating the Everton women’s game and maintaining football at the heart of the local community.
The decision follows an in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project by TFG since their takeover in December.
The project was launched in 2020 to define the future of Goodison. After the review, TFG decided to keep the stadium alive through women’s football.
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “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 is something that has been incredibly important to us.
“From next season, we are proud to say our women will have an unrivalled permanent home in the Women’s Super League (WSL) – another statement of intent as we look to build the foundations that will help us challenge for trophies.”
Everton Women currently play at Walton Hall Park, which has a capacity of around 2,500 and regularly hosts crowds of 1,000 to 1,500.
However, the move to Goodison will address Everton Women’s rapid growth and need for a larger, more suitable venue than Walton Hall Park.
Goodison has a capacity of over 39,000, although the Upper Gwladys Street and Upper Bullens Road sections will be closed for regular use.
