English women’s football is thriving, having dominated the European stage over the past seven years, and with the Women’s Super League continuing to grow from strength to strength, a new era is about to be born.
Riding that wave of progress, Everton Women are entering a new and exciting chapter as they prepare to make Goodison Park their permanent home. The historic move to the former ground of the men's team wouldn’t have been possible without the rising success and visibility brought by the Lionesses’ achievements.
Brian Sørensen’s side kicked off their Barclays Women’s Super League campaign with a 4-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, and play two landmark home fixtures at Goodison Park next week. Matches against Tottenham Hotspur and London City Lionesses mark a significant shift from Walton Hall Park, with increased attendance expected to boost revenue and elevate the club’s visibility.
But Goodison Park offers more than just higher gate receipts; it represents a sense of identity and ambition. The historic stadium could become the foundation for Everton’s rise into a top-half contender, with long-term aspirations to compete with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, and eventually challenge powerhouses Chelsea and Arsenal for the league’s top honours.
On the pitch
Back-to-back eighth-place finishes have capped two injury-hit seasons for Everton, but with renewed optimism and increased investment in the women’s division, hopes are high for a stronger campaign this time around. Brian Sørensen’s side enters the new season bolstered by a wave of international signings and aiming for, at the very least, a top-half finish.
A notable Japanese influence is shaping the squad, with the arrivals of forward Yuka Momiki, full-back Hikaru Kitagawa, and centre-back Rion Ishikawa. They’re joined by promising English talent Ruby Mace and the versatile Ornella Vignola. In total, transfer business has totalled nine new additions that add both quality and much-needed depth to the team.
A true test of their progress comes at the end of next week, with hopes that the magic of Goodison Park and the energy of a home crowd can help push them to victory. Their new home at the start of the Everton Women's new era.