Everton FC

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The club's history began in 1983 as Hoylake WFC before merging with Dolphins YC to form Leasowe. By the 1987–88 season, they reached their first Women's FA Cup final, losing 3–1 to Doncaster Belles, only to return and defeat Friends of Fulham 3–2 for their maiden title in 1988–89. In 1995, rebranding as Everton Ladies, they secured their biggest success to date by winning the National Premier League title in 1997–98. Their European debut in 2007–08 saw them score 20 goals without conceding in the group stages against Gintra, Glentoran, and Zulwil, though a third-place finish ended their quarter-final hopes.

In Their Own Story

The path to prominence included dramatic cup runs and heartbreak. In May 2009, Everton needed only a draw against Arsenal Ladies to win the Premier League for the second time but lost 1–0, finishing runners-up on goal difference. Revenge came in 2010 when they defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the FA Women's Cup final, with Natasha Dowie scoring the winner deep into extra time. The 2014 season proved difficult; after losing key players Jill Scott and Toni Duggan to Manchester City, a 2–0 loss to Notts County in September sealed their relegation to WSL 2 after 21 years of top-flight football. However, resilience defined the club as they won the truncated 2017 FA WSL Spring Series with 7 wins from 9 games, led by Claudia Walker's 7 goals and Simone Magill's 5. This victory earned them an invitation back to the top flight for the 2017–18 season.

Reader's Guide

Everton's stadium history reflects their evolution. They called Rossett Park home from 1998, sharing with Marine FC, before moving to Halton Stadium in 2013 to meet WSL standards. Ahead of the 2018–19 season, they played at Haig Avenue due to delays at Walton Hall Park, finally settling there in February 2020. In May 2025, it was announced they would move permanently to Goodison Park after the men's team departed. Their first home league match there was against Tottenham Hotspur Women on 14 September 2025. On the pitch, the 2024–25 season marked a historic moment in December 2024 when Everton beat Manchester City 2–1 for the first time ever, securing two first-half goals.

Did You Know?

• Everton won the FA Women's Cup twice: once in 1988–89 as Leasowe Pacific and again in 2009–10.
• In the 2007–08 UEFA competition, Everton scored 20 goals without conceding a single one during the group stages.
• The team spent 21 years in top-flight football before being relegated to WSL 2 in September 2014.
• Everton beat Manchester City for the first time ever in December 2024, winning 2–1 with two first-half goals.