Grangetown PlayZone Project

This is a project to provide a new ‘PlayZone’ (MUGA) sports area at Grangetown Football Club under the Football Foundation PlayZone capital programme.

Grangetown Boys Club, a football club based in Grangetown (population 6800), was founded in 1941. This grassroots club supports 15 teams, 30 coaches and 225 players.

Working in partnership with the Football Foundation and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the project is a PlayZone designed to support an increase in sport and physical activity. The PlayZone measures 30m x 20m and is both floodlit and fenced. Opportunities will include recreational football, basketball, cricket, hockey, netball and rugby.

The club is at the centre of the community and works with numerous partners to ensure opportunities are created for local people to engage in the club and local events which contribute to the physical and mental well-being of the community.

The Football Foundation is providing 75% of the cost of the project, and the local authority has identified the location and will act as a project manager until completion of construction. Once completed the facility will be given a minimum ten year lease and management handed to Grangetown Football Club.

Primarily the group will work with both the Football Foundation and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to bring this project to fruition. A number or partners who access the site have come forward to engage in the planning process and to confirm their support for the project, including: Junction Foundation (Young Carers), Bridge Hill Day Service (group with learning disabilities) and Middlesbrough Council on the Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) as well as Thirteen and Beyond Housing and local faith groups working with homeless or underrepresented groups. The project will provide a safe place, whilst increasing participation in healthy living and exercise for all groups regardless of physical ability. It will be situated next to the local youth and community centre and work in partnership with the youth service.