Salford Lads Club have confirmed it will remain open after the historic Greater Manchester stadium was threatened with closure earlier this year.
Last month, reports emerged that the club was in financial trouble due to rising maintenance costs and reduced grant funding. To stay open, it has been forced to raise £250,000 by mid-November and is appealing for support from the wider music industry.
Offering sporting and creative activities six days a week, the venue provides a safe space for young people from some of the city’s most deprived neighborhoods and was founded in 1904 by Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell. Opened in year. the queen is deadwas shot dead outside Salford Lads Club.
In the latest news shared on Instagram earlier on Thursday (November 28), club bosses have now confirmed that the club has reached its fundraising target and can continue to operate as usual.
“We’ve done it! Salford Boys and Girls Club are officially rescued. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have achieved our £250,000 target and ensured the doors of this iconic building are open to our young people and community.
“From historic concerts to changing lives through youth work, this club has always been a beacon of hope, culture and connection. This funding ensures we can continue to make an impact for generations to come,” it added.
“A heartfelt thank you to every individual, business and partner who stepped up to help us stay afloat. This is your win and it is our win. Together we show what can be achieved when communities come together.
Morrissey, Graham Nash and Noel Gallagher are among those who have donated or raised funds. The former reportedly donated £50,000 to a public GoFundMe page and has previously provided financial support when the building needed essential maintenance work.
Meanwhile, legendary songwriter Nash, who spent his childhood in Salford, joined more than 1,000 online donors to donate £10,000 to the cause. Gallagher auctioned off a guitar and helped organize an Oasis exhibition at the club to raise funds to keep the venue open. The Guardian According to reports, Salford Lads’ 2023 revenue reached £160,000 ($202,574), with expenses totaling approximately £394,700 ($499,725). Last year, the club faced insurance and utility bills totaling £43,000 ($5,444).
