Representatives from Middlesbrough Football Club, including former manager Bryan Robson, travelled to Europe's finest clubs to research ideas for the club's training ground, which also houses Middlesbrough Football Club's Academy.
And the end result of trips to the likes of Ajax and many others is the impressive £7m complex set 20-miles from Middlesbrough in the leafy village of Hurworth, near Darlington.
Set deep in the heart of County Durham countryside, Rockliffe Park was purchased in 1997 and has been constructed to compete with any other training facility in the world.The Training HQ and sports hall were built with future in mind and the modern facilities and techniques used have become the envy of many Premier League clubs.
A state-of-the-art sports science department and gym, rehabilitation areas and massage rooms, spacious changing rooms, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis and a comfortable restaurant are just some of its assets.
The sports science department has its disposal modern machines to monitor everything from weight to percentages of body fat, and much, much more.
Officially opened in October 1998, just ten months after work started, the 160-acre site also had eight quality grass pitched as well as two outdoor synthetic surfaces for training in all conditions.A hidden gem in the North East of England, Rockliffe Hall is a five-star luxury golf and spa hotel offering an award-winning spa, an 18 hole championship golf course and a wide range of restaurant options which cater for all palates and purse strings.
(Rockcliffe Hall)
Whether you are looking for a romantic break, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, a unique wedding venue or a place to do business, this world-class resort is a memorable destination.
Set in the quiet village of Hurworth, on the edge of the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, Rockliffe’s location is perfect for discovering the treasures of Durham city, the drama of the North East coastline and the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire moors.
Or, with five-star leisure facilities at your fingertips, forget the outside world and enjoy everything that this country retreat has to offer. Relax or be active, celebrate or focus on business, the choice is yours and the pleasure is all ours.