Today marks the 120th birthday of one of our cities most iconic landmarks: Salford Lads’ Club.
Located on the former Barracks Estate, now Coronation Street, Salford Lad’s Club opened on 24 August 1903 as a safe, purpose-built space to provide an alternative to teenage street gangs (known as “scuttlers”) in the poorest areas of the city.
Held in the grade-II listed building, activities at the club encouraged its 22,500 members, including girls in its partnering Girls Institute, to take part in sports, education, and work experience programmes.
A membership chart inside the building tracks famous faces who have accessed the club’s provisions throughout its history, including Manchester United star, Eddie Colman; Allan Clarke and Graham Nash who went on to form 1960’s pop group The Hollies; Fred Done, owner of bookmaking chain Betfred and former professional boxer Jamie Moore, whose Lonsdale belt is proudly displayed in the entrance hallway.
Project Manager, Leslie Holmes, said: “The fact that we are still here in 2023 is a remarkable story. Not only surviving Word War 1 and World War 2, and the loss of nearly all of the estate in the 1960s and 70s with the closure of Salford Docks.
“More recently, with the Covid-19 pandemic, rising energy prices and cost- of-living challenges, the club is still important to local young people. This year we had over 300 members taking part in activities. To continue sharing our story and legacy, we need investment from Government, from local councils and from companies and individuals.”
The club has also become a site of pilgrimage for fans of The Smiths, after Stephen Wright’s iconic photo of the band was used on the inner sleeve of ‘The Queen is Dead’ album in 1986.
In 2004, the club opened a dedicated Smiths room – an ongoing installation created and curated by Leslie Holmes where fan photos are displayed alongside post-it messages. The club continues to welcome visitors weekly – from Indonesia to Mexico, Israel to Australia, much of Europe, Canada, America and South America.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett followed: “A huge congratulations and a very happy anniversary to Salford Lads Club, celebrating their 120th year – the club with its rich cultural heritage is still attracting national and international visitors, and importantly, remains a constant for the local community and young people it serves.
“It’s a true testament to the dedication of the staff and volunteers at the club to see it continue to thrive, and fantastic to witness the positive influence it has on the young people who participate. It’s vital that we all keep supporting places like Salford Lads Club so they can continue the great work they do for many years to come!”
The club is open to visitors every Wednesday and Saturday from 11am to 2pm.
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