2 October 2025

Families and young people in Guisborough could soon benefit from a brand new modern sports facility under plans backed by the Football Foundation and Redcar & Cleveland’s Labour Council.

The major programme will bring new “PlayZones” across the borough – safe, inclusive outdoor spaces designed for football and other sports and activities. Guisborough is among the locations identified for potential investment, alongside Marske, Redcar, and TS6.

The PlayZone programme is aimed at tackling inequalities in access to sport and physical activity, particularly for young people, by creating modern, bookable community facilities that are safe, accessible and available year-round. The council expects the Guisborough project to cost up to £275,000, with the Football Foundation expected to fund 75% of the design and construction costs.

The remaining funding would be met by the council through a combination of internal and external funding sources, with the finished facilities expected to be managed by experienced local operators under lease agreements overseen by the authority.

Luke Myer MP regularly engages with the council on the need for youth facilities and grassroots sport, and welcomed the potential for a PlayZone in Guisborough.

“When young people have somewhere safe and positive to go, whether that’s through grassroots sports or just meeting friends, it makes a real difference. Facilities like this help keep communities active, connected and healthy. Guisborough has brilliant local sports clubs and community spirit already, and this kind of investment can help build on that for the next generation.”

The plans formed part of a wider rollout announced by Council Leader Alec Brown, who said the administration was “absolutely delighted” to be bringing new PlayZones and 3G pitches to communities across the borough.