Everton’s famous former home, Goodison Park, is set to make a temporary return to hosting competitive fixtures after the men’s first team completed their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock over the summer.
While the Everton Women’s team has taken up primary residency at the grand old ground, the venue will also stage key fixtures for the club’s Under-21 side.The reason for the temporary return is Everton’s participation in the Premier League International Cup.
This continental competition pits Category One academy sides from England against equivalent European Under-21 outfits.
Due to the international nature of the competition, Goodison has been selected to host these high-profile ties instead of the less-equipped Walton Hall Park, which is now primarily used by the Under-21s.
Goodison Park is set to host a series of fixtures for the development squad, including a visit from Spanish giants Real Madrid at the beginning of December. They will also welcome reserve sides from PSV Eindhoven, AS Monaco, and RB Leipzig.
The Under-21s are scheduled to play three games at the ground in December, starting with Real Madrid on the third, followed by one match in January.
Because the tournament is run by the Premier League, all foreign teams play their matches on English soil, necessitating the use of a facility capable of handling these fixtures.
This competition ensures that the men’s team’s association with Goodison Park “isn’t quite over with just yet,” providing fans with an unexpected opportunity to see elite football back at their traditional home.