Everton Ladies given new name ahead of new WSL season

Everton have announced that their female team will no longer be called Everton Ladies and will instead be known as Everton.

The Toffees confirmed the news ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign starting this weekend where Willie Kirk’s side travel to Birmingham.

Although the team will be called Everton where possible, for formal purposes they will be referred to as Everton Women to avoid any confusion with the mean’s team where it has not been made clear.

The move means Everton fall in line with the rest of the league, with all sides now referring to their team either as ‘women’ or the same name as the men’s side.

It comes ahead of arguably the most anticipated WLS season ever, with interest in women’s football on the rise in England following the exploits of the Lionesses at the World Cup over the summer.

Speaking of the move, Everton chief executive Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale said:

“Everton has played a significant role in the development of women’s football. As well as winning silverware, Everton has produced a number of players that have represented not just their club with distinction but gone on to represent their countries.

“The identity change is an important and progressive step and part of our desire to bring our men’s and women’s teams closer in identity and location. It is a clear symbol of togetherness and unity and part of our ‘one club’ vision.”

Like with the men’s side, Everton are one of the founder members of the Women’ Super League and have also won the FA Women’s Premier League, the FA Premier League Cup and two FA Women’s Cups since their formation in 1995.

Their first home match of the season at Southport’s Haig Avenue stadium will be against Bristol City on Sunday 15 September.