Salford youth zone

The JD Foundation has become the newest founder patron of Salford’s Youth Zone (SYZ) pledging £100,000 to its development.

The foundation has promised regular and dedicated support to the SYZ, with an assigned grant of £100,000 over the four years of development.

The multimillion-pound Youth Zone under construction next to Belverdere Road and Broadwalk in Pendleton, aims to enhance aspiration and prospects and improve health and wellbeing for Salford’s young people. This will be done by providing affordable access to a wide range of programmes and activities including sports, arts, music, employability and mentoring and offering them someone trusted to talk to.

The JD Foundation, a charitable offshoot of JD Sports, strives to empower and create a better future for young people, making a positive impact in the community, particularly among disadvantaged youth.

Senior philanthropy manager of SYZ, Amanda Coverdale, said: “Founder Patrons are united by a determination to give young people somewhere safe and something positive to do.

“Patrons are key to the success of a Youth Zone; by becoming a Patron of SYZ, you will be part of the Youth Zone story and change the lives of thousands of young people.”

Since 2019, The JD Foundation has also supported SYZ’s sister Youth Zone in Manchester – HideOut Youth Zone on Queens Avenue, in the same patron role, offering financial contributions and opportunities such as Duke of Edinburgh, employment and enterprise activities.

Salford youth zone
Salford youth zone- image credit

Speaking at the SYZ launch event, the JD foundation manager, Adam Warriner said its work with HideOut youth zone has an incredible impact on the community and encourages other local businesses and people to get involved.

He said: “Our vision is to help young people achieve their unlimited potential. I’d implore everyone to go and visit a Youth Zone and see first-hand the work they do. This is your chance to have an impact and be part of creating a brighter future.”

SYZ is an OnSide Youth Zone created in collaboration with Empower and Salford City Council made possible by a £6.2 million Youth Investment Fund grant.

It will be open seven days a week for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with an additional need or disability, offering more than 20 activities every night for just 50p per visit.

The construction of SYZ began at the end of January 2024 with completion and opening estimated for 2025.

More information can be found here.

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