'Treasured' Goodison to be new home for Everton Women
- Published
Everton says the relocation of its women's team to Goodison Park "addresses Everton Women's rapid growth and need for a larger, more suitable venue than Walton Hall Park".
The men's side will play their final competitive game at the stadium, which has been their home since 1892, on Sunday.
They will move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock ground in time for the start of next season, which is also when Everton Women will relocate to Goodison.
The decision comes after an in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project by The Friedkin Group following their takeover of the club in December.
The project was launched in 2020 to define the future of Goodison and, after an in-depth review, The Friedkin Group have decided that "football must be kept at the heart of Everton's community".
It has also been confirmed that Goodison, in addition to the women's matches, will stage selected academy games and expand Everton in the Community's L4 campus.
Newly-appointed Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear said: "We know how treasured Goodison is, not only to every Evertonian, but to the game itself, and 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 WSL - another statement of intent as we look to build the foundations that will help us challenge for trophies."
Dave Kelly, chair of the Everton Fan Advisory Board, added: "Goodison Park holds the most special place in the hearts of all Evertonians. It has been a glorious home for the men's team since 1892, and for it now to be transformed into a home for Everton Women is something I know many if not every Blue will support."
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