I sympathise with anybody losing their job due to the recent government spending cuts but you have to look at the broader picture. The role of a professional sports club in a City goes far and beyond just sports tourism and employment. I just don’t think some Salfordians are aware of the time, scale and investment that goes into the clubs community program.
The Salford City Reds Foundation team isn’t just one or two individuals teaching a few kids how to play rugby, it’s a comprehensively skilled team that provide excellent services to the Salford public. Here are just a few examples:-
1. The Tackle Health Program -Working alongside Salford NHS to help improve the health of the city’s residents by visiting schools, businesses and community groups every month.
2. Respect – Tackle It Campaign – Actively promoting the following:-
• Discourage all instances of unsporting behavior, foul or illegal play, or acts of violence, both on and off the field.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, special needs, including learning and physical disabilities, class or social background, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, colour or political persuasion.
• Condemn the use of recreational and performance enhancing drugs and doping practices their use endangers the health of players and is contrary to the concept of fair play.
3. First Aid Training Courses – The foundation offers a number of courses including the ½ day Basic Lifesaver course, the 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work course, the 3 day First Aid at Work course and various refresher courses.
4. Red Devils Learning Zone - Salford City Reds Foundation provide a pitch side classroom at the Willows, which has developed from a partnership with the club and Salford Council’s Children’s Services. The facility exists for schools and community groups to have access to a range of courses including literacy/ numeracy for schools, NVQs, unemployment courses, healthy lifestyle courses and much more.Fortunately some people are aware of the value of Salford City Reds in the local community and fully support the club. By contrast 'those who it suits' would rather ignore the excellent work they do in the community for political or personal reasons.
