After 133 years of unforgettable football memories, Everton Football Club is closing a historic chapter. As of next season, the Toffees will begin a new era at the Everton Stadium—known commercially as the Hill Dickinson Stadium — leaving behind the hallowed grounds of Goodison Park.
This transition marks an emotional moment for Evertonians worldwide. Goodison Park has stood witness to countless highs and lows throughout the club’s history. From title wins to relegation battles, it has always been more than just a stadium—it’s been a home.
Among the countless fans with special memories of Goodison is Maltese comedian and lifelong Everton supporter Steve Hili, who had the rare privilege of playing on the pitch before becoming the home Everton’s women’s team in the Barclays Women’s Super League, making Hili one of the last men to grace the field.
“Yes, I actually played at Goodison Park,” Hili says with pride to the Times of Malta. “One of the last men to do so before Everton leave.”
The opportunity came through a fan competition organized by Everton and their sponsor, Stake, earlier this season. Supporters were invited to submit entries explaining why they deserved to play on the iconic pitch. Hili’s heartfelt video stood out and earned him a spot on one of the two fan teams assembled for the event.
“The fact that I am an Evertonian is one of the biggest blessings of my life,” he explains. “I don’t know if all football fans feel this way, but I love this club in a way I can’t describe. The history of the club, the stories of players like Dixie Dean or Neville Southall—it has always meant the world to me.”
For Hili, this love runs deep—so much so that he once rushed through an exam to watch his beloved club in action.
“I remember rushing through an ‘O’ Level exam in like 30 minutes just so I could leave early because Everton were in the FA Cup final. I scraped a pass mark and Everton won, so… happy days.”
Goodison Park, opened in 1892 with a 4-2 win over Bolton Wanderers, was the first major football stadium built in England. And while the memories are many, one moment stands above the rest for Hili.
“Well, the game obviously!” he laughs. “But also the first time I took my son—then only a few months old—to Goodison. We got invited to take a pre-match photo and he was greeted by former players.”
On the day of the fan match, Hili was part of a team coached by Everton legend Phil Jagielka, who made over 300 appearances for the club and earned 40 caps for England. The opposing side was led by another Goodison great, Leon Osman.
“It was one of the most exciting days of my life,” Hili reflects. “I felt like I was 12 years old again. Like a lot of boys, I dreamed of being a footballer. But the only ground I EVER wanted to play on was Goodison.”
“I was greeted and hugged by Phil Jagielka… then shown my top with the iconic number 9 on it—for Evertonians, that number has a massive significance. A fun team talk, a video message from David Moyes, and then onto the pitch. The match passed in a blur. And to be honest, I was probably one of the worst players on the pitch. But it didn’t matter. I got to play at Goodison Park!”
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