WE ARE BRINGING SALFORD TOGETHER
FOUNDATION 92 – in the process of being set up as a charity – will be the club’s vehicle to engage with the community and have a positive impact. Andrew Gordon, an Ammies supporter, heads it up and knows the power the club can have on a city that has its issues. Five areas – physical well-being, mental well-being, disability, youth offending and homelessness – have been identified to focus on, while players have already been making appearances at local schools. “Salford has always had new things in it, but when it’s been successful Manchester has swallowed it. Think about the Lowry and Media City – it’s great investment in Salford as a city and it brings people, but people think it’s Manchester. “So to have something called Salford City, that can’t have its identity stolen, is really putting Salford on the map. Because of that it gives you great reach to these people. “I’m guessing most cities are the same, but you get quite insular. If people come from outside and tell you how you live, you’re a bit apprehensive. “But if you’ve got something run by the people of the city for the people of the city, they’re more open to it. So if we go into the schools and say, ‘Do you know what, you can make these lifestyle changes for your benefit,’ I think they will be happier to listen to it. We’ve got a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility.” Gordon, who says supporting Salford has helped his own anxiety issues, believes clubs don’t always realise the difference they are making. “My mum’s a vicar and in the past a lot of people would turn to the church as the centre of the community, where people come together and look for support,” he says. “That still exists but the way football is now, there’s a real responsibility to give that support to people coming through the doors week in, week out. “I don’t think people realise the difference of just standing next to ten people on a terrace and the sense of belonging that gives you.”