Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium has been included in the United Kingdom’s bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, marking another major tournament for the venue that opened just six months ago.

The announcement on Friday confirms the waterfront stadium’s rapid emergence as one of England’s most versatile sporting venues, following its selection as a host for the 2028 European Championships.

More than football – Hill Dickinson Stadium pic.twitter.com/fb3P8buPc3

— Everton (@Everton) May 16, 2025

Stadium Already Proving Major Money Spinner

Colin Chong, Everton’s Chief Real Estate and Regeneration Officer, highlighted the stadium’s transformative impact on Liverpool as a global destination. “Hill Dickinson Stadium continues to underline its significance not only for our Club, but for the future prosperity of Liverpool as a world-class destination for major sporting and cultural events,” Chong stated.

The venue has already hosted rugby league fixtures and secured the 2026 Magic Weekend after beating Newcastle United to the event. These developments align perfectly with The Friedkin Group’s vision when they purchased the club last year, with the new stadium proving a game-changer for Everton’s finances.

“Recent and upcoming events—from the Rugby League Ashes Test to Super League Magic Weekend and UEFA EURO 2028—showcase the transformative impact the stadium can have on our city: generating economic benefit and opportunity, raising Liverpool’s global profile, and welcoming visitors from around the world to our waterfront,” Chong added.

Liverpool City Council Back Bid

Liverpool City Council leader Cllr Liam Robinson expressed delight at the inclusion. “We’re delighted to be part of this historic bid to stage the biggest single-sport event in UK history. If we are successful in securing host city status once again—following the UEFA EURO 2028 announcement—it would bring long-term social and economic benefits to our region while shining a light on everything that makes Liverpool special.”

The council remains engaged in discussions to improve infrastructure and transport links around the stadium. With significant money flowing into the city from these major events, local authorities recognize the economic importance of supporting the venue’s continued development.

Just six months after opening, the Hill Dickinson Stadium is rapidly establishing itself as a benchmark for event delivery in the region.

Read more: Manchester United Push to Host 2035 Women’s World Cup Final at New £2bn Stadium Instead of Wembley

A 50-year-old match programme from the Liverpool versus Everton women’s charity match reveals just how far the game has progressed, with players described by their hair colour, eye colour and height rather than their footballing ability.

The programme from November 28, 1976, featured wives and girlfriends of Liverpool‘s legendary players in a friendly charity fundraiser dubbed the “Petticoat Derby” by local newspapers. Sue Neal (Phil Neal’s wife), Jean Keegan (Kevin Keegan’s wife) and Barbara Hughes (Emlyn Hughes’ wife) were listed as: “Age 25, hair red, eyes hazel, height 5ft 4in,” “Age 22, hair blonde, eyes blue, height 5ft 4in,” and “Age 28, hair brown, eyes green, height 5ft 3in” respectively.

A Snapshot of a Different Era

Football historian Steve Bolton purchased the programme on eBay and was struck by how dated it appears by modern standards. “Can you imagine England stars like Hannah Hampton, Beth Mead or Millie Bright being labelled in a match day programme today by their eye colour, hair colour and height?” Bolton asks. “It was just a different time back then.”

The match raised hundreds of pounds for charity and was watched by Merseyside legends including John Toshack and Mick Lyons. Sue Neal scored the only goal from 30 yards in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory.

The FA’s 50-Year Ban

The programme represents a transitional period for women’s football. After World War One, women’s teams played friendlies for charities in front of large crowds. But the FA banned matches at its members’ grounds in 1921, claiming they were “unsuitable for females.” That ban lasted until 1971, just five years before this match.

Bolton, who became a historian after discovering his grandmother Lizzy Ashcroft was a great player after World War One, now owns one of the best collections of women’s football memorabilia in private hands. His collection includes programmes dating back to 1921 from every decade since.

“By modern attitudes it is very dated and sexist,” Bolton admits. “However, it is a thing of its time and it is a little piece of history.”

Also read: Manchester United Push to Host 2035 Women’s World Cup Final at New £2bn Stadium Instead of Wembley

Hannah Forshaw will leave her position as chief executive officer of Everton Women at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing a premature conclusion to her tenure after just nine months in the role. She joined the Toffees in September following The Friedkin Group’s takeover, but both parties have agreed to part ways following internal discussions about the long-term direction of the club.

Everton confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that Forshaw will remain in post until May to ensure a smooth transition. The club indicated that discussions led both parties to agree a different long-term direction was appropriate, though Forshaw’s continued presence until season’s end would support a smooth transition to new leadership.

Brief But Significant Tenure

Forshaw’s appointment in May 2025 was hailed as a statement of intent by The Friedkin Group, who tasked her with overseeing Everton Women’s historic transition to Goodison Park. The move transformed the iconic stadium into the UK’s largest dedicated women’s football venue following the men’s team’s relocation to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

During her brief spell at the helm, Forshaw oversaw several significant developments. Most notably, she sanctioned the club-record signing of England international Ruby Mace from Leicester City in September, a deal reportedly worth considerably more than the initial £100,000 bid rejected by the Foxes. The 22-year-old midfielder became Everton’s ninth signing of the summer window, reflecting ambitious recruitment under new ownership.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Everton Women (@evertonwomen)

Forshaw also played a crucial role in establishing Everton Women as a standalone entity after the club was sold to parent company Roundhouse Capital Holdings in July, creating opportunities for minority investment and operational independence.

Challenging Season on the Pitch

The timing of Forshaw’s departure coincides with a difficult campaign for Brian Sorensen’s side. Everton currently sit tenth in the WSL with just five points from nine matches, having recorded one win, two draws and six losses while conceding 19 goals. The struggles represent a significant setback for a club that had shown ambition during the summer transfer window.

The Athletic reported that a review regarding the leadership structure will examine whether a CEO will sit above the organizational framework or if a managing director will take charge instead. This suggests The Friedkin Group are considering a fundamental restructuring of how Everton Women operates within the broader club hierarchy.

Forshaw, who previously spent over 12 years at Liverpool including as vice president of operations, brought significant Premier League experience to the role. Her two-year stint as chief operating officer at The Jockey Club demonstrated her ability to manage large sporting organizations, making her a seemingly ideal candidate to guide Everton Women’s expansion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Everton Women (@evertonwomen)

The club confirmed they will provide updates on the new leadership structure later in the season, thanking supporters for their understanding during the transition period.

Also read: Shocking Viewership Numbers for Arsenal Women vs. Chelsea Women Revealed, Leaves WSL Concerned