Salford Lads Club saved from closure after reaching £250,000 fundraising target
The future of Salford Lads Club has been secured after they successfully managed to land the £250,000 needed to survive, thanks partly to contributions from Morrissey and Noel Gallagher.
Last month, the community hub revealed that its future was under threat. Salford Lads Club first opened its doors in 1903, and for the last 120 years, it has been a source of sanctity for many generations in Salford, who have used its facilities to practice a range of activities such as boxing, swimming, and gymnastics.
In light of the appeal, the local community in Greater Manchester rallied around the Salford Lads Club, which had aimed to raise £250,000 by the end of November. However, days before the appeal was due to end, the tally is now at £273,000, which has ensured that it will continue to offer a vital service to those in Salford.
Significantly, the Salford Lads Club became internationally recognised when it featured on the sleeve of The Smiths’ seminal album, The Queen Is Dead, in 1986. The Smiths frontman Morrissey donated £50,000 to the cause, which proved to be vital in the survival of the Salford Lads Club.
Other notable names in the music industry to have contributed include Noel Gallagher, who auctioned a guitar. Graham Nash also spared £10,000, and Courteeners put £5,000 towards the fund, which all helped Salford Lads Club achieve its goal. In total, more than 1,400 people or organisations chipped in with donations.
- Morrissey donates £50,000 to save Salford Lads Club
- Noel Gallagher puts guitar up for auction in Salford Lads Club fundraiser
Despite the cultural cache attached to the Salford Lads Club, it’s struggling to survive in the current climate. Last year, the club’s annual income was only £160,000, while running the club set them back £394,700 due to rising costs.
Therefore, with an eye on its long-term future, the Salford Lads Club is now planning to create a £1million legacy fund, which they hope will earn an extra £40,000 to £50,000 a year to help with running costs.
In a statement provided to the Manchester Evening News, club president Anthony Groves stated: “Our club opened its doors in 1903 – a product of Manchester’s Industrial Age. The club was built by industrialists to support families and disadvantaged youth, striving for survival in an increasingly industrial world.”
Meanwhile, Laura Slingsby, Head of Youth Operations, told the publication: “This funding is a lifeline for the young people we support. It means we can continue to provide a safe and supportive space where they can grow, build skills, and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.”
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