Middlesbrough have used Rockliffe Park as Boro’s training ground since 1998. Steve Gibson sought to move to Hurworth to build the training facility to house the first team and the academy.
Middlesbrough owner Gibson Purchased Rockliffe Park in Hurworth, Country Durham in 1997. After extensive research, examining training grounds around the world, including Ajax’s, Middlesbrough redeveloped Rockliffe Park into a training complex for £7 million.
Today, Rockliffe Park offers several quality grass pitches, indoor and outdoor synthetic surfaces, a state-of-the-art sports science department and gym and other modern facilities.
Middlesbrough training ground name
Middlesbrough opted to keep the name of the site they built the training complex on. Rockliffe Park dates back to the mid-1800s when Arthur Backhouse built Rockliffe Hall, then known as Pilmore Hall.
After being sold to the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, the land was unused after 1991 which resulted in the Middlesbrough purchase.
How many pitches are there at Rockliffe Park?
Rockliffe Park offers Middlesbrough a total of nine full-size pitches across their training ground. The nine pitches include eight grass fields and one indoor synthetic turf fields. These are available to the first-team, academy and now the women’s side.
In 2008, four of the pitches were flooded after the River Tees broke its banks after heavy rains. The pitches were four feet underwater.
The England National side have also used the training facilities. Firstly, in 2003 ahead of the Euro 2004 qualifying match against Slovakia. They then came up against nearly 20 years later under Middlesbrough legend Gareth Southgate as England played friendlies against Austria and Romania in 2021.
What other facilities does Middlesbrough’s training ground have?
The impressive complex boasts a state-of-the-art sports science department and gym and other modern facilities alongside its pitches.
Rockliffe Hall, a five-star luxury golf and spa hotel, is also located nearby. This is owned by Middlesbrough’s Gibson. An 18-hole course is also subsequently located in the area.
What is the address?
Middlesbrough’s training ground: Rockliffe Park, Hurworth Place, Darlington, DL2 2DU