Everton may be moving into a brand-new home ahead of the 2025/26 season, but the club will continue their legacy at Goodison Park following a landmark move. The Merseyside club have announced that the iconic stadium will be the permanent home of Everton Women from next season in a move described as “a testament to the women’s game” by club captain Megan Finnigan.

Everton have confirmed that Goodison Park will be the permanent home of Everton Women as part of a historic move in the women’s game.

The men’s first team will depart Goodison after 133 years at the end of the current campaign, ahead of a move to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the beginning of the 2025/26 season.

A club statement released on Tuesday said that the iconic stadium “will remain a central part of Liverpool’s sporting and cultural identity” while serving a purpose “to create a team capable of challenging for honours – backed by high-quality facilities and a world-renowned home”.

It added: “The decision follows an in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project by The Friedkin Group (TFG) since their takeover in December. The Goodison Legacy project was launched in 2020 to define the future of Goodison.

“After an in-depth review, The Friedkin Group decided that football must be kept at the heart of Everton’s community.

The move addresses Everton Women’s rapid growth and need for a larger, more suitable venue than Walton Hall Park. Phase one of the transition includes stadium upgrades to enhance the matchday experience and ensure adequate facilities are in place before the start of the season.”

Captain of Everton Women Megan Finnigan called the move “a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading”.

She added: “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.”

Everton’s chief executive officer Angus Kinnear also spoke about a “statement of intent” surrounding the move, as well as the importance of continuing The Toffees’ legacy at the stadium.

“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.

“The women’s game has grown significantly in recent years, and we believe that growth will continue and accelerate.

“We’re under no illusions; there are obstacles we need to overcome to make this a success both practically and economically, but we’re confident that we will overcome those challenges.

“We believe Everton Women can emulate that success and go even further, with one of the most revered grounds in the history of the game as their permanent home.”