October 15th 2024.
For decades, the iconic Salford Lads Club has been a mecca for Indie fans, drawing in crowds of young people from deprived communities. But now, this historical building is in danger of closing its doors if it doesn't raise £250,000 by the end of November.
Established in 1903, the club has been a lifeline for young people in Greater Manchester, with a mission to "Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens". However, with rising costs and a decrease in grant income, the club is facing financial turmoil and is expected to run out of money in just eight weeks.
In a rallying call for support, local news outlets such as the Manchester Evening News are urging people to donate and help keep this legendary building alive. A fundraiser has been set up with the goal of raising the necessary funds to save this cultural icon.
Over the years, the Salford Lads Club has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young people. The Hollies, a popular 1960s pop group, used to practice in the club before they rose to fame. And many young footballers who trained there went on to play for top clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City.
The club has also made a mark in the music world, with The Smiths famously posing in front of the building and their fans often making a pilgrimage to take photos. Even renowned artist Harold Riley and radio DJ Mike Sweeney, who was also a member of the band Salford Jets, have been part of the club's rich history.
In 1985, the club gained global recognition when it was featured in an iconic image of Manchester band The Smiths. And while the club has generated some income from visitors and filmmakers, including being featured in popular shows like Peaky Blinders, it has not been enough to cover the costs of providing crucial youth work to the community.
The club offers various sports and activities six days a week to over 200 young people in one of the most deprived areas of the country. However, as costs continue to rise, it has become increasingly expensive to maintain the 120-year-old Grade II Listed building and provide quality youth work. The club also needs to employ staff to professionalize its operations and compete for grants.
Unfortunately, the market for grants has become oversaturated and competitive, resulting in a decline in grant income for the club. With an annual utilities bill of £15,000, building maintenance costs of £15,000, and insurance costs of £13,000, the club is in desperate need of financial support.
It is estimated that the club needs £108,000 to cover its current monthly losses for the next six months, while also investing in initiatives to generate more funds in the long term. Additionally, an extra £55,000 is needed to hire new staff for six months to help with these initiatives, and another £98,000 is required to replenish reserves.
Last year, the club's annual income was £160,000, which included donations, revenue from open days and visitors, and income from renting out the building for events like weddings. However, with estimated outgoings of £394,700 for the next 12 months, the club is facing a significant financial deficit.
Located in Ordsall, where 689 children under the age of 16 live in low-income families, the Salford Lads Club has provided opportunities for the most vulnerable in the Greater Manchester community. With a child poverty rate of 46% in the area, and a staggering 57% for older children aged 11 to 15, the club's mission to "Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens" is more relevant than ever.
Despite the financial challenges, the club continues to offer a wide range of activities, including football, boxing, table tennis, badminton, basketball, dodgeball, pool, chess, arts and crafts, drama workshops, music workshops, and free food on club nights (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday).
In the past seven years, the club has made significant strides in developing its football program, going from having no teams to having six boys teams and the first girls team in 2021. This has been made possible through the club's commitment to making sports accessible to all families in the community, even if it means carrying the entire cost of hiring pitches from Salford Community Leisure, which amounts to £12,000 per season.
The club's annual camp, which has been running since 1904 (with the exception of two world wars and the Covid pandemic), is another important aspect of their youth work. The boys and girls camps offer a range of activities, including abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing, ghyll scrambling, fell walking, high ropes, archery, and bushcraft. However, providing this facility comes at a cost of £18,000 per year, with support from the Greater Manchester Youth Federation in the past.
To secure its future, the club plans to set up the Salford Lads and Girls Club Legacy Fund, which will ensure a steady stream of income for years to come. Donations to this fund will be invested in a permanent trust, with a portion of the interest earned contributing to the club's annual income.
Laura Slingsby, head of youth operations, emphasizes the club's commitment to being careful stewards of the funds they receive, investing in high-quality youth work and staff to keep their programs accessible to everyone in the community. She also highlights the importance of the club's mission, especially in today's world where many young people face challenges like gang culture, poverty, and lack of opportunity.
The Salford Lads Club has been a beacon of hope for over a century, providing young people with a safe haven and opportunities to better themselves. With a cash injection, the club can continue its vital work and establish a sustainable future through the Legacy Fund. So let's come together and support this beloved institution, ensuring that it can continue to "Brighten Young Lives and Make Good Citizens" for generations to come.
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