Salford City
different people in the local community including
schools, food banks, running clubs and local residents.
Foundation 92 has done some excellent work already
in trying to inspire change in the community through the
power of sport around five key areas that we identified;
mental and physical health and wellbeing, disability,
homelessness, and vulnerable young people. It is just
the start but it has been an excellent first 12-18 months
and our community links, support and involvement will
only get stronger.”
Challenges
Integration
“When the players start their two-year programme
they have a pathway which includes both education
and playing so that when it comes to the end they are
prepared for both a career in football or away from
football.
We hope to prepare them for a transition into senior
football by providing a range of different game scenarios
for them to play in the games programme, from difficulty
of opponents to different surfaces, so that they are fully
prepared. A few players have also benefitted from loan
moves to clubs around the area in the Northern Premier
League and below which are an incredible experience
for lads under 18.”
Community
“Community links are important to every club
in sport, not just football, and we have worked with
“One of the biggest challenges we face is attracting
new fans to the club. Being in an area where there’s not
just two Premier League giants in Man United and City,
but more established Football League clubs in Bury,
Rochdale, Oldham, Bolton, there is a lot of competition
and deep-rooted support. Saying that, we have already
been successful in attracting families and young fans to
The Peninsula Stadium who are starting to come back
more regularly which is great to see - no doubt helped
by how affordable it is to come and watch!
Location could also prove to be a problem; The
Peninsula Stadium isn’t the easiest ground to get to as
it is locked in a resident area so room for expansion isn’t
freely available however there will no doubt be a plan!”
Ambitions
“It is well known that the club wants to be successful
and climb the football pyramid. Now that we are in
the Football League the priority will be to establish
ourselves, but while we have momentum it would be
incredible if we can keep going up!”
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