Goodison Park was set to be replaced by houses, shops and a care home, but will now continue hosting football matches Goodison Park is to become the home of Everton's women after the club scrapped plans to demolish the 132-year-old stadium. The Blues will move to their new 53,000-seater arena at Bramley-Moore Dock this summer. During construction of the new facility on the Liverpool waterfront, Everton's previous ownership group announced plans for an £82m post-demolition renovation project at the Goodison site, which was set to include housing, a care home, retail units and a park. But after being taken over by private equity firmThe Friedkin Group in December, the club conducted a feasibility study about maintaining the stadium as a home for the women's team, and have now opted to continue operating the site. With a capacity of 39,572, Goodison Park will now be the largest dedicated women's football stadium in the country. "This long-term vision reflects the club's commitment to investing in the women's game and ensuring that Goodison Park continues to play a vital role in both football and the community," Everton said. "The club's regeneration plans will retain Goodison Park's proud identity while giving Everton Women a world-class platform in the heart of Liverpool 4. For supporters, it offers the chance to be part of a new era in one of football's most iconic venues." "The ambition is to create a team capable of challenging for honours - backed by high-quality facilities and a world-renowned home." The club's CEO Angus Kinnear added: "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." This video can not be played The best ground in the Premier League - Everton fans react to new stadium Everton's women's team have played at Walton Hall Park, one mile away from Goodison, since 2020. The stadium has a capacity of 2,200, but only 500 of those places are seated, and its pitch is a hybrid of real and artificial grass. Previously one of the strongest women's teams in the country - including winning a league title in 1998, two domestic cups in the late 2010s, and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2011 - Everton underwent a gradual decline in performance under previous owner Farhad Moshiri. The Blues finished no higher than fifth in the Women's Super League (WSL) during the Iranian's time in charge, andended this season's campaign in eighth. Their average home attendance was 2,062. BBC Sport understands Everton plan to improve Goodison Park's changing room facilities, and rebrand the exterior of the stadium to reflect the women's team's history and current squad, while Walton Hall Park will continue to be used to offer a space for grassroots football in Liverpool, predominantly in the girls' game. Everton will play their final men's first-team match at Goodison Park on Sunday (12:00 BST) against already-relegated Southampton. Everton also announced that Goodison Park will host selected academy matches from next season. The club's under-21s side currently plays its home fixtures 16 miles away at the 6,000-capacity Haig Avenue stadium in Southport, but last week Everton opted not to renew that agreement. The only player in the current Everton first-team squad who graduated from the club's youth academy is backup goalkeeper Joao Virginia, who signed from Arsenal at the age of 19 before spending a single season in the Blues' youth set-up. Emma Sanders - BBC Sport senior women's football reporter Everton's women's team's future under the club's new owners - who have ambitions to return them to former glories - is an exciting one. One of the eight founding clubs of the WSL - the first professional league in England - Everton's history runs deep. Goodison Park is a stadium rich with memories and the club hopes familiar surroundings can help grow the fanbase of the women's team and enable them to embark on a new journey under The Friedkin Group. The signs have already been positive with investment provided in the January transfer window to improve Brian Sorensen's squad, and the Blues are looking to add more quality this summer. The Friedkin Group has a strong track record of investment in women's football. Following their acquisition of a majority stake in AS Roma in 2020, they have won the women's Supercoppa Italiana twice in the past three years, and compete in Serie A - the top tier in Italy.
Goodison Park escapes demolition to be home of Everton's women
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Goodison Park to Serve as New Home for Everton Women's Team"
Bbc News
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Goodison Park, the historic home of Everton Football Club, will be preserved as the venue for the club's women's team after plans for its demolition were scrapped. Initially, the club's previous management had proposed a redevelopment project that would replace the 132-year-old stadium with residential units, retail spaces, and a care home following the construction of a new 53,000-seat stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. However, after the acquisition of the club by The Friedkin Group in December, a feasibility study led to the decision to retain Goodison Park for Everton Women. The stadium, which has a capacity of 39,572, will now become the largest dedicated women's football venue in the UK, signifying a commitment to the growth of women's football within the club and the local community. Everton's leadership expressed their intention to enhance the stadium's facilities and maintain its historical significance while providing a world-class environment for the women's team.
Everton Women have experienced a decline in performance in recent years, finishing eighth in the Women's Super League this season. Their previous home, Walton Hall Park, has a significantly lower capacity and limited seating. The club aims to revitalize the women's team, drawing on its rich history as one of the founding clubs of the Women's Super League. Plans are in place to improve Goodison Park's changing facilities and rebrand the stadium's exterior to reflect the women's team's legacy. The Friedkin Group's track record in women's football is promising, having invested in AS Roma and achieving notable success. The decision to keep Goodison Park is seen as a pivotal step in re-establishing Everton Women as a competitive force in women's football, with ambitions for growth and increased fan engagement in the iconic setting of Goodison Park.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant decision regarding Goodison Park, emphasizing its new role as the home for Everton's women's football team after plans for demolition were scrapped. The move reflects a shift in the club's vision under new ownership and aims to promote women's football while retaining the historical significance of the stadium.
Strategic Decision-making
The decision to keep Goodison Park operational, particularly for the women's team, indicates a strategic pivot by Everton's management. The previous plans to demolish the stadium were ambitious but perhaps overlooked the emotional and historical value of Goodison Park to the community and fans. By opting to maintain the stadium, the club acknowledges its rich legacy while also investing in the future of women's football.
Community Engagement
This news aims to foster a positive sentiment among Everton supporters and the local community. By framing the preservation of Goodison Park as a commitment to both women's football and community identity, the club seeks to enhance its image as a progressive organization. The statement regarding Goodison Park retaining its "proud identity" aligns with efforts to strengthen community ties and attract support from various stakeholders, including local fans and women's football advocates.
Potential Concealments
While the article focuses on positive developments, it may obscure broader challenges faced by the club. For instance, the transition to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock raises concerns about financial viability and community displacement. The decision to preserve Goodison Park could also be seen as a response to potential backlash from fans who may have opposed the demolition plans.
Comparative Context
In comparison to other news in the sports sector, this article exemplifies a growing trend in sports organizations recognizing the importance of women's sports. Other clubs have also made similar commitments, reflecting a broader societal shift towards gender equality in athletics. This connection places Everton in a favorable light within the ongoing discourse surrounding women's empowerment in sports.
Economic and Social Implications
The decision to keep Goodison Park as a venue for women's football could have positive economic implications, such as increased attendance and community engagement. It may also stimulate local businesses and contribute to the regeneration of the area surrounding the stadium. However, the success of this initiative will depend on effective marketing and community outreach.
Target Audience
The article primarily appeals to Everton fans, particularly those invested in women's football and community issues. It resonates with supporters who value the club's heritage and its role in promoting inclusivity in sports. Additionally, it may attract attention from women's rights advocates and broader sports fans who prioritize gender equity.
Market Impact
From a financial perspective, the positive reception of this news could bolster Everton's brand, potentially affecting merchandise sales and ticket revenues. Investors and stakeholders may view this decision favorably, considering the growing interest in women's sports and its commercial viability.
Broader Relevance
While this news may not directly influence global power dynamics, it reflects a cultural shift towards recognizing women's contributions in various fields, including sports. The decision aligns with current discussions on gender equity and representation, making it relevant in today’s societal context.
The article appears to be a straightforward report on a significant decision by Everton FC, highlighting its commitment to women's football and community values. There is no clear indication of manipulation; however, the framing of the narrative may selectively emphasize positive outcomes while downplaying potential challenges.
Given the context and content, the reliability of this news is high, as it reflects a genuine shift in club policy and aligns with broader trends in sports.