Springboard fund helps Salford Eagles soar

A grassroots football club in Salford is helping young people find their passion for football, thanks to a funding boost from Salix Homes.

Salford Eagles FC, a not-for-profit football club founded in March 2022 by lifelong football enthusiast Garry Dowson, is flying high after receiving £1,200 from the Salix Homes Springboard Community fund.

The funding went towards pitch hire costs and new kits, helping the team continue to grow and provide, free accessible football opportunities for young people in the local Salford community.

Garry started the club after taking his young nephew to a football session and realising there was a real need for a community run grassroots team in the local area.

Garry explained: “When I was younger, I didn’t really understand how to get into a football club. It didn’t feel accessible to me, and I wanted to change that for this generation of young kids. No child should be on the other side of the fence, looking in at the other kids playing.”

Salford Eagles FC started off welcoming everyone, encouraging men, women, adults and children to get involved. Over time, Garry realised that the club’s biggest impact was among young people. Today, the Eagles focus on supporting under thirteens, providing not only football coaching, but a positive and safe space to learn teamwork, discipline and confidence.

The club trains every Thursday at Salford Sports Village and play league matches every Saturday. Entirely run by volunteers, Salford Eagles aims to remove the barriers that often stop young people from joining sports clubs, especially cost. The club is free to join, and players don’t have to pay for their kits or equipment.

Garry continues: “Salford Eagles is a team that treats people equally, no matter where they come from or who they are. It’s a lifeline for these young kids who need somewhere to positively channel their energy.

“I wanted to eliminate the barriers of getting into sporting clubs and create an accessible, fun and accepting environment. I’ve seen some of the kids come and they’re angry, or shy and I’ve seen them blossom and mature into kind and thoughtful young adults and team players. I just want to give them a chance.”

Warren Carlon, Salix Homes’ Director of Communities added: “Our Springboard fund provides grants to local projects, groups and initiatives that support the community and help neighbourhoods thrive, just like Salford Eagles FC.

“With Garry’s passion and dedication driving the team forward, Salford Eagles FC continues to prove that with the right support, grassroots sport can truly transform lives.

“The support from the Springboard Community Fund will help ensure the club can continue offering this lifeline to more young people across Salford.”

To find out more about Salford Eagles, follow them on Facebook.

For more information and to apply for a Springboard grant, visit our Springboard Community Fund pages.