Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation (MFCF) is pleased to announce that work is now underway on a new facility in Loftus as part of our continued and growing involvement in East Cleveland.
The project has been made possible by funding facilitated by MFCF with additional financial backing from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation.
In partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the development of the site situated on an area known as Ben Scott’s Field in Loftus will provide a new 3G pitch alongside a pavilion which will accommodate changing rooms and a café area together with a car park. It is planned that the facility will be ready for opening next year, with regular public updates on the progress of the project.
Head of MFCF Charlotte Dinsdale is excited the project, long in the planning, is finally underway, saying: “We are really excited to work with Redcar and Cleveland Council on this new and exciting venture as we build on the existing provision Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation offers in East Cleveland. This project will allow us to enhance what we can offer, to further benefit the local community, and will enable us to retain a strong presence in the area.”
Reverend Canon Adam Gaunt, a trustee of MFC Foundation, is a familiar figure in the local community and he has spoken about how he welcomes not just the start of this project, but the opportunity it will offer for the residents of East Cleveland when completed.
Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Alec Brown, said: “This exciting new development at Loftus Centre is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. Thanks to the generous funding from MFC Foundation and the Football Foundation, we’re proud to support the delivery of a 3G sports pitch facility that will benefit a wide range of local sports communities and clubs for years to come.
“It’s a major step forward in our commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, and sporting opportunity across Redcar and Cleveland.”
Brian Archer, Executive Director for Growth Enterprise and Environment at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to be working alongside our partners to bring this multi-purpose 3G sports pitch and pavilion building to Loftus.
“This new facility will provide year-round access to football, rugby, and other sports, helping to inspire participation and support talent at every level. Alongside the investment made to support grassroots sports clubs, this is a key part of our wider ambition to invest in sport and infrastructures that meet the needs of our residents and encourages active lifestyles.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“We’re delighted that works are now underway to deliver a new 3G pitch and pavilion for the people of Loftus and we’re excited to see the new facilities in action.”
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About the Football Foundation
The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government’s charity that delivers outstanding grassroots facilities, more and better places to play, transforming lives and communities where it is needed most.
The Foundation’s goal is to unlock the power of pitches ensuring every community has a great place to play regardless of gender, race, disability or place.
Since its creation in 2000, the Foundation has invested £1.2 billion to improve grassroots facilities across the country – including 1,200 3G pitches, 14,000 grass pitches and 1,600 changing rooms. This has attracted an additional £1.5 billion of partnership funding – totalling over £2.7 billion investment in grassroots football so far.
In partnership with local authorities, County FAs and other community stakeholders, the Foundation has created Local Football Facility Plans for every local authority in England. These Plans act as a blueprint for providing the grassroots football facility improvements that each community needs and deserves across the country.
Visit footballfoundation.org.uk for more information on the Foundation and view the Plan for your local area.