Rotherham United Women Layout Football Centre Of Excellence Vision

Rotherham United Women FC has unveiled an early-stage vision to redevelop the historic Millmoor ground as a 2,000-capacity stadium, national centre of excellence and community sports destination.

Football could return to Millmoor under a £9.5m proposal being explored by Rotherham United Women FC, almost two decades after Rotherham United’s men’s team left the venue in 2008.

The club has discussed the concept with site owner the Ron Hull Group and representatives of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The plans remain at an initial stage, with no development or funding agreements in place.

Stadium and sports village

The proposed 2,000-capacity stadium would provide a new home for Rotherham United Women, with a 3G pitch, spectator facilities, hospitality areas and scope for future expansion.

Alongside the stadium, the vision includes a national centre of excellence for girls’ and women’s football, combining coaching, player development, sports science, fitness and education. Padel courts, a health and fitness hub and multi-sport community facilities are also under consideration.

The club wants the site to operate seven days a week, serving elite and grassroots sport while creating a potential catalyst for wider regeneration in Masbrough. Proposals also include recognising Millmoor’s heritage, potentially by incorporating the Derek Dalton Clock into the new stadium.

National ambition

Phil Smith, co-owner of Rotherham United Women FC, said the opportunity extended beyond building a new stadium.

“We see an opportunity to create something genuinely significant here, not just for Rotherham but for women’s football nationally,” he said.

“It’s to explore a dedicated centre of excellence that could attract players, coaches and sporting organisations from across the country, while creating facilities that schools, families and the wider community can benefit from.”

Public consultation

A two-week public consultation will run from Monday 26 October to Monday 9 November 2026, seeking views from residents, supporters, schools, sports organisations, charities and businesses.

Scott Thorpe, co-owner of the club, said the consultation would help test demand and identify additional uses for the site. “This can’t just be about what Phil and I think,” he said. “We’ve got our ideas, and now we want to hear everyone else’s.”

Feedback will inform the next phase of the proposal and further discussions with the Ron Hull Group, RMBC, sporting bodies and potential funding partners. Any development would remain subject to feasibility work, planning permission and the necessary approvals.

Image: www.ruwfc.com