Attendances in the Women’s Super League for Everton and Liverpool have increased in recent years, specifically for the Merseyside Derby.
But both clubs have faced some challenges in attracting large crowds and often play in grounds with smaller capacities compared to their male counterparts.
Liverpool’s relegation and return to the WSL
In 2020, following the Covid-19 lockdown, Liverpool Women were relegated from the WSL to the Women’s Championship.
The season was cut short due to the pandemic, and while Liverpool’s relegation marked a difficult period, they returned to the WSL in 2022 after securing the Championship title.
During their time in the Championship, no official attendance records were kept. However, just before the relegation, Liverpool’s WSL attendance averaged 4,604, according to Sky Sports.
This figure was often inflated by the Merseyside Derby, a fixture that consistently draws a larger crowd. With the derby absent during their time in the Championship, Liverpool’s attendance naturally dropped.
Everton’s attendance struggles
In comparison, Everton averaged just 402 in 2020, significantly lower than Liverpool’s attendance.
The Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park was cancelled that season due to Covid-19, which likely impacted their attendance figures. Without this major match to boost crowd numbers, Everton’s average remained modest.
The challenges faced by both teams during the 2020/21 season can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of staple fixtures like the Merseyside Derby, playing in smaller venues, and the wider effects of the pandemic.
Despite these struggles, both clubs have seen growth in fan engagement and attendance as restrictions eased and the WSL returned to full capacity.
Average attendances
The Merseyside Derby’s impact
The Merseyside Derby is one of the standout fixtures in the WSL, with both Liverpool and Everton fans eagerly anticipating this fiercely competitive rivalry. The Derby consistently attracts larger crowds, and its impact on attendance cannot be overstated.
This graph demonstrates significant spikes in attendance during Merseyside Derby matches, underscoring the Derby’s power to boost crowd sizes, especially when played in larger venues like Anfield and Goodison Park.
The absence of the derby during the pandemic had a notable effect on both teams’ average attendance figures. The WSL reverse fixture at Anfield is yet to be played, and takes place on 4th May 2025.
Venue capacity and impact on attendance
The venues where both teams play also play a significant role in attendance numbers. Everton has been based at Walton Hall Park in recent years, a ground with a much smaller capacity than other venues in the league.
Walton Hall Park has a capacity of 2,208, which is significantly smaller than the venues Liverpool have played at in recent years. Prenton Park holds 16,587 and St Helens Stadium holds 18,000.
This difference in venue size means that, even if the teams were able to attract large crowds, attendance is naturally limited by the capacity of the stadium.
While Prenton Park and St Helens Stadium allow for a larger crowd, overall attendance is still highly influenced by fan interest, team performance, and major games like the Merseyside Derby.
As Everton have returned to Goodison Park for select fixtures, the excitement of the game and the iconic ground, led to a boost in attendance.
Both clubs have shown resilience, and as women’s football continues to grow, they are poised for further success, with the Merseyside Derby remaining a central fixture in attracting larger crowds.
