Salford Red Devils Foundation (SRDF) was proud to host an afternoon of activities at their base, Eccles Sixth Form College, to showcase the fantastic work the charity provides the local Salford community and beyond. City Mayor Paul Dennett and Chief Executive Tom Stannard took the opportunity to speak directly to partners and participants and learn more about the activities and outcomes that SRDF are instigating at the heart of the community. The Salford Red Devils Foundation is well established since starting in 2006 and has a passionate, experienced, and highly qualified delivery team who deliver excellent activities across the community. The delivery team includes qualified teachers, international rugby league coaches, dance co-ordinators and ex professional players who are active in the community every day of the week. Delivery ranges from schools coaching for boys and girls, coach education, to men’s health campaigns, education initiatives, Karate, wheelchair rugby, Physical/Learning disability rugby league and a fully-fledged Dance Academy. Many of these activities could be seen performing at showcase events such as the Rugby League Magic Weekend and Challenge Cup Final. The SRDF Mission Statement is to provide and promote sport, health and education-based activities for the benefit of all regardless of background and ability, with the specific aim of helping the people of our community. SRDF is a totally self-funding independent Charity that has become a trusted third sector provider and endeavours to fill the gaps in local provision. Substantial Government cuts and the Covid 19 Pandemic has hit communities hard and by bringing in funding and investment the Foundation can continue to provide invaluable opportunities so that the local residents can raise aspirations, increase health awareness and upskill themselves. Our community continues to benefit from the SRDF’s ongoing investment which to date is in excess of £6millon. Supporting the delivery team is the Super league branding of The Salford Red Devils providing SRDF the unique selling point of professional sport to back the many programmes of delivery. Community activations can see player visits by international first team stars and the official club mascot is often seen at events promoting local good causes and campaigns. At the centre of all these activities is a commitment to employ local people and utilise local suppliers as we wish to give the best opportunities for local resident’s and their families in our community. Foundation Director, Neil Blackburn said, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Mayor and CEO to visit our home at Eccles Sixth Form College so that they can actually see first hand the tremendous impact we have within the heart of the community. Our unique partnership with Eccles Sixth Form College see high quality education provision directly integrated into our community delivery and we are also able to engage with student through work experience and extra curriculum activities.” Rebecca Cross the Centre Principal of Eccles Sixth Form College added, “We are extremely proud of the unique partnership between Eccles Sixth Form College and Salford Red Devils Foundation. The partnership not only provides outstanding coaching to our learners, alongside their academic studies, but delivers opportunities that enable them to grow as well-rounded citizens with strong values. The Foundation enables the learners to engage in high quality coaching / strength and conditioning sessions alongside their academic studies. Thank you from all staff at Eccles Sixth Form for the fantastic work the Foundation does to enrich and provide opportunities for our learners.” Paul Snape SRDF Head Trustee commented, “We believe that the work of the Foundation has been under appreciated within the city and it was ideal to demonstrate to the City Mayor and Chief Executive the extent of the work we do within the local community. There are substantial opportunities going forward to ramp up our community work even further once the Salford stadium becomes a real community asset and the Council, Club and Foundation form a strong working partnership.” Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and Chief Executive Tom Stannard were impressed with the work undertaken by the Salford Reds Foundation and discussed how things could be developed going forward. They even took time out out to ‘try’ their hand at wheelchair rugby! For more information on the wider programme, including how to get involved, please visit https:/salfordreddevilsfoundation.co.uk or email neil.blackburn@srdfoundation.co.uk or call a member of the team on 0161 631 5252. WORDS AND PICTURES – Bill McLaughlin
