Courteeners band photo - sent image by Black Arts PR

The alternative and Indie band, Courteeners have donated £5,000 towards the effort to help save Salford Lads and Girls Club. 

The iconic Manchester band have heard the calls from the youth centre, who need to raise £250,000 by the end of November to avoid closure.

The club first opened in 1903, but due to rising costs they face the risk of permanently closing its doors.

However, it seems that the Courteeners have made the difference, donating £5,000 helping to take the financial total over £200,000.

The band from Middleton, well-known for songs like ‘Not Nineteen Forever’, ‘No You Didn’t, No You Don’t’, and ‘What Took You So Long?’, made the donation this month and seem to be a much needed help.

The current total for the campaign stands at over £219,000, and was supported by the recent donations from Salford City Council donating £100,000, and most recently Morrissey who donated £50,000.

The effort and support from local musicians have been vital to the survival of Salford Lads Club, who also received a £10,000 donation from the Salford-born musician Graham Nash.

But it seems the bands link to the Lads Club stretch further, with lead singer, Liam Fray, attending Salford University, where he studied creative writing – before leaving in his second year, when the band started to take off.

Following the donation, Laura Slingsby, Head of Youth at Salford Lads and Girls Club, said: “The Courteeners donation means the world to us.

“It’s a testament to the power of music and community coming together to protect a place that’s been central to Salford’s youth and culture for over a century.”

She continued: “Music has always been woven into the identity of Salford Lads and Girls Club.

“From iconic album covers to the bands that have supported us, it’s clear that our club is more than just a building—it’s a home where young people can express themselves and find their place in the world. Every donation strengthens that foundation.”

The club are closing in on the amount needed to save the club as donations continue to flood in – with the club only needing just over £30,000 to take it over the required amount.

Donations to the Salford Lads Club can be made here.

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