The Blues have played at the former home of Liverpool County FA since 2020
Everton FC’s women’s team could soon have to pay rent to play home games under a new agreement being suggested by Liverpool Council. Since an initial agreement back in 2019, the Blues have played their league and cup games at Walton Hall Park.
The move from their previous home in Southport to Walton came about through a licence agreement struck between the Toffees and the local authority five years ago. Now, with a need to generate revenue amid a forecast overspend of £31m without mitigation, Liverpool Council is proposing a formal arrangement with the club which could provide much needed rental income.
In 2019, the city’s cabinet backed the plans to accept a £150,000 grant from the Football Foundation which it applied for in conjunction with Liverpool County FA and Everton to facilitate the ground move. For years, the site had been occupied and managed by the county FA and continues to host set piece grassroots cup finals.
Everton Women played at Southport FC’s Merseyrail Community Stadium during 2018/19, after four years at Widnes’ Halton Stadium. The initial tranche of funding from the Football Foundation allowed for ground upgrades to ensure the site would meet grading requirements for the Women’s Super League.
This included the installation of a permanent TV gantry with hopes to further improve the seating. The total cost of the work is estimated at £285,000, with the outstanding sum funded by the club.
Liverpool Council paid £30,000 towards improvements to the changing rooms. The club played its first game against Manchester United in February 2020 in front of almost 900 people.
Currently the club occupy the land and building under the initial agreement established in 2019. City council officers are recommending that a lease agreement is entered into by the council to regularise the Blues’ stay.
A cabinet report to be discussed by councillors when they convene at Liverpool Town Hall next week will recommend officials draw up terms for a lease that would provide rental income to the city. In order to secure new funding via the Football Foundation, the lease must be agreed by March 24.
Officers intend to report back on the agreed terms in the March finance report. It is not the first time the club have found themselves having to negotiate rental terms of course.
In 1891, after a disagreement over payments, the Blues left their former ground at Anfield to set up home across Stanley Park. They will leave Goodison Park this summer while the current occupants have expanded the stadium on multiple occasions. Everton FC were approached for comment.
