The Grangefield Ground
The Grangefield Ground is a multi-purpose sports ground located in Grangefield, Stockton-on-Tees, England. It mainly focuses on rugby union, association football and is available for Gaelic football (though the latter has never been played). It is the home of Stockton Rugby Football Club, who have played there since the ground's opening in 2015. The ground's formation came after Stockton decided to conclude their 67-year stay at the Norton Sports Complex.
Grangefield | |
 Main stand, situated on first team rugby pitch | |
| Full name | The Grangefield Ground |
|---|---|
| Address | 52a Oxbridge Avenue Grangefield Stockton-on-Tees TS18 4JF |
| Operator | Stockton RFC |
| Type | Multi-purpose sports ground |
| Genre(s) | Rugby union Association football Gaelic football |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 2015 |
| Expanded | October 2019 |
History
Stockton Rugby Football Club moved to The Grangefield Ground in 2015.[1] The lease included the use of the indoor facility (which includes four changing rooms and a multi-purpose sports hall), and (initially) three rugby union pitches behind The Grangefield Academy school (which is The Grangefield Ground) whereas the clubhouse is located over the road on (community partner) Stockton Cricket Club's ground, where another 2 junior rugby union pitches are located.[1] The ground's set-up is similar to the club's previous ground located in Norton.[1] The Academy shares the rugby pitches, which are used for physical education purposes.[1]
Two more existing rugby pitches and changing rooms, part of a five-acre site, are located behind the pitches, which Stockton leased in 2019, with plans in place to develop the site for Woman and Girls rugby .[2] The site became available for use from 31 October, with the changing rooms being modified with Stockton's club colours and badge being painted into exterior walls, the pitches were marked and new posts were added.[2]
Location
The Grangefield Ground is located near many schools, shops and pubs. The fact that it is located near schools was a factor of the relocation of Stockton RFC due to the club wanting to introduce more children in rugby.[1] The cricket ground, which is where the clubhouse is located has two junior pitches and hosts Stockton’s under 6s to under 12s teams during the season.
References
- "Stockton RFC have moved from Norton to Grangefield". Durham County Rugby Football Union. 2 August 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
- "Stockton Rugby Club - Posts". Facebook. Retrieved 1 December 2019.