A £13m youth zone which has opened in Salford could become a modern-day Salford Lads Club for the city’s young people, bosses say.
Salford Youth Zone, on Belvedere Road in Pendleton, held a launch party to mark its opening on Saturday, July 5.
Eddie Hearn, Fred Done, and Salford’s mayor, Paul Dennett, all attended the event to support the project.
The big idea of Salford Youth Zone is to create a place in the city for young people to feel safe and enjoy themselves while learning new skills and taking part in new activities.
Those aged eight to 19 are welcome to get involved, and those up to 25 with additional needs.
Membership for young people is free, with a 50p charge per session, and more than 2,500 people have already joined up.
Adam Farricker is leading the work as chief executive of Empower Youth Zones, the charity overseeing the project.
Empower Youth Zones also runs another site in east Manchester known as HideOut Youth Zone, and it is part of a national network called OnSide Youth Zones.
Adam said Salford Youth Zone could have as big an impact on the city as the historic Salford Lads Club.
“We hope to be able to say that in 100 years we look back and look at the same heritage and impact that Salford Lads Club has had,” he added.
“I know there will be thousands and thousands of children benefitting from this place.”
Salford Youth Zone was brought to life with the backing of the Done family along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Salford council.
Fred Done, founder of Betfred, was born in Salford, near where Salford Youth Zone stands.
“Everyone has got behind it, this is for the kids of Salford, they need a break and this is what we’ve done for them, I’m just so proud to be here and being able to do this for them,” he said.
“The most important thing in all this is giving kids a break, the country is on its knees at the moment politically and financially, but this shows hope, hope is the future for these kids, that’ what we’re trying to do for them.”
Salford Youth Zone members can use facilities including an outdoor football pitch, fully equipped gym, climbing wall, dance studio, music and recording studio, training kitchen, and art workshop.
There will also be access to free meals, employability skills workshops, and trusted adults to talk to.
Funders include local authorities, individuals, the business community, and grants.
Joe Amos, 40, is the head of youth work at Salford Youth Zone. He said young people in the city are facing several barriers, including a lack of opportunities and struggles with mental health.
“It’s gonna make a massive difference to young people in Salford, it’s providing somewhere for them to go that’s safe with a trusted person to talk to.
“It’s gonna make sure young people stay off the streets, engage in positive activities, and really look at improving their opportunities for life and their future.”
Lacey Wrightson and Carter Gregg, both aged 16, have been part of creating Salford Youth Zone through a development group.
“I think it’s going to help everyone, not just this generation but future generations as well,” Lacey said.
Carter added: “It’s a challenge for young people being in this generation because of Covid hitting and being locked away from everything.
“This is a new way for them to explore, find who they want to be and what they want to do, and keep away from being on the streets, with crime, drugs and all that.”
Salford Youth Zone leaders hope the site will help thousands of young people in Manchester and Salford to find their passion and purpose.
The site will be open seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year, for young people to access in their leisure time whenever schools are closed, including during school holidays.
Salford mayor Paul Dennett said: “An investment in young people is an investment in a community’s future, and Salford Youth Zone is a fantastic addition to both the city of Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole.
“Empower’s success with HideOut Youth Zone has shown how life-changing youth work is, and we’re extremely proud to support the team as they create a future where every young person can grow and succeed.”
Adam Farricker added: “In a city where too many young people lack access to a safe, supportive environment, this facility will be a hub for these young people to grow and break down barriers.
“Having been to youth services myself, I know first-hand how life changing they can be – I’m proud to be extending this opportunity to thousands more young people.
“Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and Salford Youth Zone will help make that possible.”
