Willie Kirk's side will be known as Everton as part of 'one club' vision.

Everton's women's team will no longer be referred to as Everton Ladies - and will instead be known as Everton.

The Club has a significant history in the women’s game – having been one of eight founding members of the Women’s Super League, as well as winning the FA Women’s Premier League, the FA Premier League Cup and two FA Women’s Cups since forming as Everton Ladies in 1995.

The change takes place as Willie Kirk's team prepare for the new Women's Super League campaign, which gets under way this weekend. Wherever possible, the women’s team will be known simply as Everton. For formal purposes, Everton Women will be used primarily to avoid any confusion with the men’s team on evertonfc.com and if videos and images do not make it clear.

Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Executive Officer at Everton, 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.

“Willie Kirk is in charge of the squad during an exciting period with quality additions made this summer, a new home a stone’s throw away from Goodison Park at Walton Hall Park on the horizon, with extra focus on the women’s game and new commercial opportunities ahead - highlighted by our recent ‘women’s exclusive’ deal with feminine hygiene brand Lil-Lets.”

First team manager Marco Silva, Everton Women boss Willie Kirk and Everton Under-23s manager David Unsworth joined their respective captains Seamus Coleman, Dan Turner and Morgan Feeney featured in a video this week to celebrate Everton.

Kirk has made a raft of new signings this summer - including Netherlands and Finland internationals Kika van Es and Tinja-Riikka Korpela, Scotland international Lucy Graham, France international Maeva Clemaron, England youth international Molly Pike, and Esme Morgan on loan from Manchester City. Everton head into the first FA WSL match of the season this weekend in buoyant mood after winning six of their seven pre-season fixtures.

They get their 2019/20 FA WSL campaign under way away at Birmingham City Women on Sunday 8 September.

Kirk's side play their first home match at Southport FC's Pure Stadium against Bristol City on Sunday 15 September. Grassroots junior sides can watch the game FOR FREE. Click here to find out more.