Everton Women make history with permanent move to Goodison Park

In a big step forward for the women's game on Merseyside, Everton have confirmed that their women’s team will move to Goodison Park permanently beginning next season. The timing lines up with the men’s team preparing to leave the stadium after 133 years, as they get ready to move into the new Everton Stadium. For the women’s side, the switch from Walton Hall Park to one of English football’s most iconic grounds is more than just a change of venue — it’s a sign of how much the women’s game has grown.Goodison Park has been at the heart of Everton’s history for well over a century. Now, with the men’s side set to play their final match there this Sunday against Southampton, the torch is being passed to the women’s team.Until now, Everton Women have played their home games at Walton Hall Park, a modest 2,200-seater that served its purpose but was clearly starting to feel a bit tight for a team on the rise. This season, they got a taste of Goodison twice — a solid win over rivals Liverpool and a tough 5–0 loss to Chelsea. Still, those appearances gave fans and players a glimpse of what the future could look like.“The move addresses Everton Women's rapid growth and need for a larger, more suitable venue than Walton Hall Park,” the club said in a statement.It’s not just about more seats or a bigger stage. The club plans to gradually upgrade the stadium to make sure the facilities match the moment. They’re also banking on the move bringing a boost to local businesses, with more fans expected to turn out and spend money around matchdays.Everton Women finished eighth in the WSL this season, but with this kind of backing and visibility, the hope is that they can start pushing further up the table. Captain Megan Finnigan, who’s been with the team through its ups and downs, couldn’t hide her excitement.“This move is a testament to where the women's game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading,” she said. “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.”The switch to Goodison isn’t just a new address for Everton Women — it’s a signal of intent. It shows the club sees a future where the women’s team is front and center, playing in a stadium that means something to fans across generations. And while the men’s team moves on to a shiny new home, Goodison Park will keep its soul alive with a fresh chapter — one led by the next generation of Everton talent. Along with the women's fixtures, the stadium will also host academy matches, keeping it a living, breathing part of the club’s future.Also Read: Real Madrid consider Dean Huijsen for centre-back role amid Premier League interest