Sky Bet and the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund proudly marked a significant milestone with the first visit to the construction site of the Southlands Community and Sports Hub in Park End, Middlesbrough.

The event, held on Wednesday, welcomed media representatives and key stakeholders to witness the early progress of a transformative development for East Middlesbrough.

The Southlands Hub, currently being built on the site of the former Southlands Centre on Ormesby Road, is a flagship initiative led by Middlesbrough Council in partnership with the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation. The project received a £100,000 grant from the Sky Bet EFL Building Foundations Fund, alongside support from the UK government.

From left to right: Vicky Allday (Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation volunteer), Charlotte Dinsdale (Head of Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation), George Elek (co-host of NTT20 podcast), Chris Kamara, Chris Cooke (Middlesbrough Elected Mayor), Ali Maxwell (co-host of NTT20 podcast), Andy McDonald (MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)

The Building Foundations Fund was established by Sky Bet and the EFL to support grassroots initiatives that strengthen local communities through sport, education, and social engagement. The Southlands Hub exemplifies this mission, aiming to provide top-class facilities for grassroots football, youth programmes, mentoring, and employability training.

Among those in attendance were former professional footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara, who grew up in the area and played much of his early football in Park End; Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke; and Charlotte Dinsdale, Head of the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation. Their presence underscored the importance of the project and its potential to uplift the local community.

Stage one of the development includes the construction of the hub building, featuring community meeting rooms, a social area, upgraded 3G and grass pitches, and new open spaces for sport and recreation. Stage two is expected to bring further enhancements to the site. The site is scheduled to open in early summer 2026.

Kieran Forde, Head of Sponsorship and brand at Sky Bet said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Southlands Community and Sports Hub through the Building Foundations Fund. This project reflects everything the fund stands for – empowering communities, creating opportunities, and using sport as a force for good. This visit shows just how impactful this development will be for Middlesbrough.”

Ex-footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara commented: “Growing up in Park End, I know first-hand how much this community loves its sport and deserves top-class facilities. Seeing the Southlands Hub take shape is emotional and exciting – it’s going to be a game-changer for people here.”

Charlotte Dinsdale, Head of Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, added: “The Southlands Hub is more than just bricks and mortar – it’s a commitment to the future of East Middlesbrough. It will be a place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. We’re thrilled to be part of a partnership that’s delivering real change for the community.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress being made on site and it was great to welcome Chris Kamara back to an area he knows so well. This will be a brilliant venue for our town and we’re excited to partner with MFC Foundation to help create the facilities and opportunities that local people deserve.”