Plans are being put in place to try and generate a thriving atmosphere for Everton Women as they start life at Goodison Park
Fans of Everton appear emotional as they hold up scarves inside the stadium following their team's victory in the Premier League match against Southampton, the club's final men's game at Goodison Park. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Fans of Everton appear emotional as they hold up scarves inside the stadium following their team's victory in the Premier League match against Southampton, the club's final men's game at Goodison Park. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Part of the Gwladys Street will become a designated singing section in a bid to turn Goodison Park into a cauldron of support for Everton Women.
The section, block GT3, will be dedicated to creating an atmosphere for Brian Sorensen’s team as it embarks on a new era for the Grand Old Lady. A similar tactic was implemented at Walton Hall Park, the team’s previous home.
The move comes as part of plans for Everton Women to make the most of Goodison following the historic move. Season tickets are now on sale for supporters eager to be part of the campaign.
Everton announced the decision to retain Goodison for the club’s women’s side earlier this year. The commitment to providing the team with a prestigious new ground followed the takeover of the Friedkin Group (TFG) in December.
TFG have since invested in Sorensen’s team, strengthening the squad with a series of signings in January and further bolstering the ranks this summer with the additions of Yuka Momiki, Rosa van Gool, Ornella Vignola, Rion Ishikawa and Hikaru Kitagaw. Striker Kelly Gago, the first club signing of TFG’s reign, has agreed a new contract.
The hope now is that investment on the pitch can be combined with the support in the stands to give Everton Women every chance of making progress in the Women’s Super League.
Eager to help that ambition become a reality Peter McFarlane, secretary of the Everton Women Official Supporters’ Club and a member of the 1878s supporter group, said: "We had a dedicated section at Walton Hall Park, with songs for every player, and we want to recreate that at Goodison Park so we can all be together and hopefully help give the players as much of a boost as possible.
"Goodison is renowned for its incredible atmosphere. We want to try to replicate that, as well as putting our own stamp on it."
The 1878s was responsible for the memorable displays across recent seasons, including the stunning celebration of Goodison ahead of the penultimate men’s game there, against Ipswich Town.
On Sunday, the group confirmed all flags that directly relate to Goodison Park have been made available for the women’s team matches.
Mr McFarlane said: "Up until two weeks before the end of last season, we all expected Goodison to end up being a pile of rubble. We thought she was gone.
"There were a lot of Evertonians who might not have been able to get to Goodison before the end of last season, so I think this just gives everyone a second chance to go and experience Goodison Park.
"The women's game is growing exponentially, and what better way to introduce your kids or introduce your family to Everton Football Club than to get them down to Goodison Park and support the women's team?
"There's a waiting list for Hill Dickinson so the hunger is there to go to watch Everton play. This is an opportunity for people to introduce the kids to Everton Football Club, show them around Goodison Park and learn about the history of the club, whilst watching a team who are going to give everything to fight for our badge."