Salford Scorpions are ready for play thanks to Salix Homes

The Salford Scorpions, a ‘flag football’ team, has been presented with a cheque for £1,000 by Salford-based housing association SalixHomes.

The team will use their grant, awarded following an application to the housing provider’s Springboard community fund, to pay for pitch hire at Ordsall Leisure Centre in the city.

Flag footballis a non-contact and fast-growing version of American football. Instead of tackling their opponent, the defensive team must instead remove a flag from the belt of the ball carrier.

DaveMyringis a teacher atOrsdall’sPrimrose Hill Primary School. As a fan of American football, he set up the team 18 months ago to help introduce local men to the sport he loves.

Dave said: “We’re delighted to receive this donation from Salix Homes, which allows us to be able to offer free training to our players ahead of matches this summer.

“The Salford Scorpionsis Salford’s first flag footballteam.I didn’t expect anyone to show upto the first training session,as it’s quite an unknown sport in this country. The guys have really bought into it.Despite only forming 18 months ago, we’re already nationally ranked, which showstheenthusiasm the players have for thegame.”

Emma Jackson, neighbourhood supervisor at Salix Homes said: “Aside from increased fitness levels, there are so many benefits to playing team sports as an adult. It’s been proven to help reduce stress, help with sleep and improve moods.

“When there’s so much focus on the importance of men’s mental health, it’s important to show support for community projects, like the Salford Scorpions, that help to improve health and wellbeing.”

Salix Homes’Springboard community fund programme offersmuch neededcash injectionstolocalgroups and community initiatives that willhelp toimproveSalford’sneighbourhoods.Anyone can apply for thegrant;they just need a local connection toSalford.

The Salford Scorpions play everyWednesdayat Ordsall Leisure Centrebetween 8pm-9.30pm.