Young people from Salford Lads and Girls Club were able to experience a night of a lifetime when they met global music legend Bruce Springsteen.
The young people were invited to his show at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester last weekend (Saturday 17 May), with many attending their first ever live concert.
The incredible opportunity for the young people of Salford arose from the partnership between the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs and World Youth Clubs.
The collaboration has allowed youth organisations to connect and provide life-changing cultural experiences for young people such as this.
For those who attended the show, music has been a massive part of their lives, however, the cost of shows and live events can act as a barrier.
Although on this evening, the selected young people through the partnership were gifted tickets, backstage access, and even a chance to meet Bruce himself before he headed out onto the stage.
As part of the visit, one of the club’s members, 15-year-old singer-songwriter John Denton had the opportunity to give Bruce a World Youth Clubs and Salford Lads Club T-Shirt along with a demo copy of some of his music.
The once in a lifetime opportunity will be a significant moment in their lives and will be a memory they cherish for years to come.
Following the visit, Laura Slingsby, CEO of Salford Lads and Girls Club commented, “Watching the faces of the young people as the night unfolded was pure magic.
“From the size of the venue to the noise of the crowd, it was a new experience for many of them. One they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
“We’re so grateful to World Youth Clubs and the National Association of Boys and Girls Club for making it happen.”
Laura continued: “Bruce was so lovely and spent his time chatting with the young people and answering some of the questions they had about his musical history.
“This is exactly what great work looks like. Creating the kind of moments that change lives, open doors, and let young people dream bigger.”
Andy Hamill, National Director of National Association of Boys & Girls Clubs added: “More than anything else this was the most wonderful of experiences for the young people taking part.
“It is the experience of a lifetime, that will be both memorable and inspirational as well as potentially life changing for these young people.”
Andy continued: “It also demonstrates the power of well-established relationships between local, national, and global partners to create life enhancing and life changing opportunities for young people.
“Our thanks must be expressed to World Youth Clubs founders Rick and Susan Goings who set this opportunity in motion and made it happen.
“Also, thanks to Patti Springsteen who arranged the backstage passes, some wonderful gifts and finally to Bruce Springsteen himself, who met with everyone a mere 30-minutes before taking to the stage.”
More information about Salford Lads and Girls Club can be found here.
Recent Comments