New banners celebrating Middlesbrough's place in the world have been installed close to the Riverside Stadium.
We're delighted to be part of a collaboration which has seen 25 lamppost banners featuring flags of countries with links to Middlesbrough put in place around the stadium in time for Boro’s fixture against Portsmouth.
The Roaring About the River project - led by Tees Maritime, the industry-led cluster representing the region’s maritime and wider supply chain - celebrates the town's heritage as the Infant Hercules and its global connections through trade, industry and people.
Our ports and industrial sites continue to handle goods moving in and out of the UK, playing a vital role in international trade while supporting thousands of local jobs.
The banners also celebrate the huge number of distinguished international footballers who have represented the club.
Over the years, players from around the world have arrived on Teesside, bringing their talent and experience to contribute to the club's storied history.
Those include legends like Juninho from Brazil and Graeme Souness from Scotland, together with current internationals Aidan Morris (USA), Alex Bangura (Sierra Leone), Alfie Jones (Canada) and Kaly Sène (Senegal) as well as Boro’s first Swedish manager Kim Hellberg.
Each banner includes a QR code linking to a website and videos aimed at young people, explaining the town’s place in the world and helping them understand future careers linked to these industries.
Joanne Vinton-Bullwinkel, director at Tees Maritime, said: “This project brings to life how Teesside connects to the world – through trade, industry and people.
“It’s about helping young people understand the scale of opportunity on their doorstep, and how our maritime and wider supply chain, working together as an industry, continues to drive jobs, investment and global connections for the region.”
The project was delivered by Tees Maritime and its members, with support from ourselves, Middlesbrough Council and Southern Asset Management.
Hundreds of youngsters from local primary schools also took part in a design competition, with entries from Newport and Breckon Hill primaries featuring on a banner and children winning Boro match tickets.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “We helped build the world - and this project is a fantastic and positive way to showcase Middlesbrough’s international links.
“Football brings people together and so does our shared history. These banners highlight both in a simple and engaging way.”
Paul Shepherd from Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation said: "We are incredibly proud to be part of Roaring About the River.
"The Tees provides opportunities, history and a sense of belonging for everybody who lives or works here - themes the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation are very happy to be part of celebrating.”