Women's football could come home to Millmoor under ambitious £9.5m vision

Rotherham United Women FC has unveiled proposals to transform the historic Millmoor site into a vibrant sports village, centred around a new home for club and a national centre of excellence for girls' and women's football.

Almost two decades after football left Millmoor, the plans aim to reconnect the site with its sporting heritage while creating opportunities for future generations to get active, develop their skills and reach their potential.

A hub for women's football

At the heart of the proposals is an ambition to establish a national centre of excellence dedicated to girls' and women's football.

The vision would create a place where players can progress from grassroots participation through to elite performance, supported by coaching, education, sports science and player development opportunities.

If realised, the centre could attract players, coaches and partners from across the country, strengthening South Yorkshire's reputation as a destination for sporting talent and innovation.

More than just a stadium

The proposed development aims to be a thriving community asset, open and active throughout the week.

Plans currently include:

• A new 2,000-capacity stadium for Rotherham United Women FC
• A national centre of excellence for girls' and women's football
• Padel courts, supporting one of the UK's fastest-growing sports
• A health and fitness hub focused on physical activity and wellbeing
• Community and multi-sport facilities for schools, clubs and local residents
• Recognition of Millmoor's rich heritage, including proposals to celebrate the famous Derek Dalton Clock

Creating opportunities through sport

The vision extends beyond football, with aspirations to create a destination that supports participation, health and wellbeing across the community.

By bringing together sport, education and recreation in one location, the project could help more people access opportunities to be active, connect with others and develop new skills.

The development could also contribute to wider regeneration in the area, supporting local businesses and attracting visitors to a site that holds a special place in the sporting history of Rotherham.

Looking ahead

While the proposals remain at an early stage, the vision highlights the growing recognition of women's sport and the role that sport and physical activity can play in strengthening communities.

At Yorkshire Sport Foundation, we're excited to see ambitious ideas that place participation, opportunity and community impact at their heart, and we'll be following developments at Millmoor with interest.

Find out more