27 January 2026
Work to deliver a major new grassroots sports facility in Loftus is gathering pace, as the Labour Government have confirmed almost £1m investment to help progress the project for communities across East Cleveland.
The project at Ben Scott’s Field, led by the Middlesbrough FC Foundation in partnership with the Labour Council, is now well underway, with a new 3G pitch already installed and construction of the pavilion, changing rooms and community spaces progressing ahead of a planned opening in 2026. The development forms part of a wider national push, announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to upgrade nearly 1,000 grassroots sports facilities across the UK – targeting deprived areas and expanding access to women, girls and under-represented groups.
Luke Myer MP has consistently backed the project for East Cleveland, previously describing it as “a tremendous opportunity” that will “create opportunities for young people”. After receiving planning approval from the Council in 2024, this Government funding, alongside contributions from the Premier League, The FA and the Football Foundation, has helped unlock the project – a broad partnership to bring a multi-sport facility that will support football, rugby and wider community use all year round.
Once complete, the site will offer modern changing facilities, training and community spaces, and programmes focused on mental health, disability sport and youth engagement. MFC Foundation is expected to expand its work locally, including initiatives such as Premier League Kicks and women’s and girls’ football development—helping to break down barriers to participation and create new pathways into sport.
Luke Myer MP said:
“This is exactly the kind of investment our communities deserve—proper facilities, on people’s doorsteps, giving young people somewhere to go and something to be part of.
“For years, places like Loftus have made do with too little. Now we’re seeing that turned around, with national backing helping to deliver a project that will bring real pride, opportunity and better health to the area. This is about more than sport—it’s about community, confidence and the future of East Cleveland.”
UK Government Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“This is sport delivering for the nation. Every pound we invest in grassroots facilities is a pound that takes pressure off our NHS, supports mental and physical health, and opens doors for new community members to benefit from sport – like women and girls who’ve been shut out for too long.
“We’re supporting communities that have made do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms for years. This government is turning that around – building the facilities that get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent.”
Head of MFC Foundation, Charlotte Dinsdale, said:
“We said right at the start, we were really excited to work with Redcar and Cleveland Council on this exciting project, as we build on the existing provision Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation offers in East Cleveland.
“There are a lot of people working together to bring this project to life and we thank them all. We’re at the point where Phase One is complete and Phase Two is getting underway. It feels real now; this is exciting.”
Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Cllr Alec Brown, said:
“We are delighted to support Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation on this fantastic project, providing council land and the in-house expertise of our project officers.
“Our goal is to enhance fitness, health, and wellbeing across East Cleveland, while delivering a top-quality facility that will be accessible to all residents. We can’t wait to see the first match played here in late 2026.”