Context:

Goodison Park, originally slated for demolition, will now become the home of Everton's women's team, following a decision by the club's new owners, The Friedkin Group, to preserve the historic stadium. The club plans to enhance the stadium's facilities and rebrand its exterior to honor the women's team's legacy, while also supporting grassroots football at Walton Hall Park. The move is part of a larger strategy to revitalize Everton's women's team, which has seen a decline in performance in recent years, despite a rich history in the Women's Super League. By maintaining Goodison Park, the club aims to strengthen Liverpool's cultural and sporting identity and provide economic benefits to local businesses through increased matchday attendance. The Friedkin Group's investment track record, including their success with AS Roma, indicates a promising future for Everton's women's team as they seek to regain their former prominence.

Dive Deeper:

• Goodison Park, a 132-year-old stadium, was initially planned to be demolished and replaced with housing and commercial developments, but this plan was reversed by Everton's new owners, The Friedkin Group, who decided to maintain it as the home for the women's team.

• The decision to preserve Goodison Park aligns with the club's goals of enhancing Liverpool's cultural and sporting identity and providing economic opportunities for local businesses through increased matchday attendance.

• Everton's women's team, previously based at Walton Hall Park with limited seating capacity, will benefit from the larger 39,572-seat Goodison Park, which will be the largest dedicated women's football stadium in the UK.

• The club intends to improve the stadium's facilities, including upgrading changing rooms and rebranding the exterior to reflect the women's team's history, while Walton Hall Park will still be used for grassroots football.

• Everton's women's team, once a formidable force in English women's football, experienced a decline under previous ownership, finishing no higher than fifth in the Women's Super League, but the new management aims to restore their competitive stature.

• The Friedkin Group has a strong background in investing in women's football, as demonstrated by their success with AS Roma, and their acquisition of Everton aims to bring similar achievements to the club's women's team.

• By maintaining Goodison Park for the women's team, Everton hopes to leverage its historical significance to grow the fanbase and support the team's journey back to prominence under new ownership.