Springboard Heroes 2025
Meet the finalists and cast your vote!
Our Springboard Community Fund is a programme that offers much-needed cash injections to local groups and projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.
We’ve selected three outstanding nominees who have previously received grants from our Springboard Community Fund, for this year’s Springboard Heroes competition. Each nominee has provided vital services and projects that have benefitted the wellbeing of our communities:
• Alberts of Salford
A safe, inclusive sporting facility for our local community
• Red Hot Flames
A positive cheer, dance and exercise group for young people
• Salford City Radio
The local radio station, run by volunteers, for the people of Salford
Now it’s up to you to vote for your favourite nominee to receive an extra £1,000 bonus grant for their project.
Read our nominees stories below to find out more about their projects and why you should vote for them.
Voting closes on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. The winner will be announced on our Facebook page.
Alberts of Salford
The Alberts of Salford sporting facility is a safe and inclusive space for the community to exercise, meet with friends and build stronger connections.
Every week, more than 600 people from all walks of life use the site and it plays a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of the Salford community.
The sports facility, located in Albert Park, Lower Broughton, opened 20 years ago, but sadly found itself in need of renovation and was facing closure.
After securing a significant amount of funding from the Football Association (FA) and a £2,000 boost from Salix Homes’ Springboard grant programme, Albert’s of Salford have been able to fully refurbish their new 3G, shock pad installed pitch, as well as add new perimeter fencing, goal posts and lights.
Dave Morgan, Trustee and Treasurer of Albert’s of Salford, said:
It’s more than just a sports facility – it’s a haven where people from diverse backgrounds and of all ages come together to enjoy recreational activities and foster positive relationships.
With the help of Salix Homes, we’ve been able to create a safe and inclusive space that is vital for the community in Salford. With further funding we would be able to continue to deliver a much-needed, community led space that allows our users to feel safe, motivated and included through sports.
Red Hot Flames
Founded in 1996, the Red Hot Flames cheerleading squad have been proudly representing Salford on the international stage.
Offering a wide range of cheer, dance and gymnastics classes, the group provides a positive and energetic environment for young people to stay active, build confidence and follow their passions.
More than just a sport, Red Hot Flames provides a supportive space that nurtures mental wellbeing and promotes teamwork and resilience.
Red Hot Flames received a much-needed boost of over £1,000 thanks to our Springboard Community Fund. The funding helped ensure 60 of the club’s athletes could step out in style with new training kits as they headed to an international competition in Orlando, Florida – a trip that marked a significant milestone for the club.
Shannen Hook, Head Coach at the Red Hot Flames, said:
With support from organisations like Salix Homes, the club can continue to foster a sense of teamwork and achievement, empowering young athletes to work together to achieve their dreams, both internationally and locally.
All of our younger athletes have dreams to compete at competitions around the world, and this additional funding would allow us to make those dreams come true, so please vote for us!
Salford City Radio
The future of this much-loved community radio station hangs in the balance, with urgent funding and support needed to keep it on air.
Broadcasting since 2007, the station is run by dedicated volunteers and for them, it’s not just a hobby, but a lifeline, providing them with a sense of purpose, community and support.
As a platform for local voices, the station plays a crucial role in promoting community engagement, with its diverse mix of programming reflecting the rich tapestry of life in Salford.
Salford City Radio was recently awarded £1,950 through Salix Homes’ Springboard Community Fund to contribute to the running costs of the station, and the additional funding if they win the Springboard Heroes Awards will go towards keeping the station open.
Jill Bowyer, Manager at Salford City Radio, said:
We’ve got volunteers from all walks of life, some are disabled, others are battling cancer, some are young people starting out in their careers, and we’re here to offer them a platform to develop their skills and connect with the community. Our station is an inclusive space where everyone can contribute and learn, making a real impact in Salford.
For many, coming to the station is the reason they get out of bed in the morning. It gives them a sense of belonging and keeps them going through tough times. Our dedicated volunteers pour their time and passion into creating programmes that inform, entertain, and uplift our listeners. Losing this station would mean losing an invaluable resource that brings people together and provides crucial support during challenging times.
The extra funding would be a huge help, and we’d urge people to vote for us. If the station had to close it would be a tremendous loss for our community, silencing important voices and dismantling a vital support network for so many.
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