I'm From America And I've Actually Been TO The Lads Club, Its amazing That something like that exists for children these days. Hats Off to The People Who Still Run The Lads Club!!!!

Beatles fans have Abbey Road and Morrissey/The Smiths fans have The Salford Lads Club. Everyone there has always welcomed us with open arms and loved telling us all about the pilgrimage that fans make. You can't make a trip to Manchester without seeing it and having your picture taken in front of it.

The Salford Lads Club might be likened to the YMCAs of America--especially during the 1940s-1950s. Many people are not aware of the concept of homosociality, and I believe it to be an ideal for adult men and women. Please do not get this confused with homosexuality (which is altogether different). I would like to think that homosociality is the opposite of homophobia, but let me explain further.

Young men and women rarely establish strong same-sex bonds shortly after adolescence. This is especially true for guys. Women are "allowed" to bond, men really aren't (outside of team sports and the military). YMCAs offered a lot to young men-- but, according to urban legend, became flop-houses and motels which catered to homosexual encounters. But that is another story altogether.

I believe that-- because of these urban legends-- very little is offered for young men (and women) outside of school and school-sponsored activities. I say "Hooray!" to the Salford Lads Club for offering hope, peace, and positive ideals for young men and women. In the U.S., YMCAs have dwindled for the most part. Am I wrong?

School activities are great, but projects and outlets outside of school are very important and often overlooked. Outlets such as YMCAs, YWCAs, and the Salford Lads Club can be life-savers for many young men and women who might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. Not to suggest that these establishments cater to the less fortunate-- quite the contrary. They are a lifeline for many (I am referencing Angelou's "I Know Why...")--

Homosociality took a hard blow during the AIDS crisis. I blame the media and the far right for discouraging homosociality outside of school. Hats off to Morrissey-- He knew that belligerent ghouls run certain schools.

Peace, and don't take me too seriously--
Your pal,
Ken

what it does and what it is doesn't matter at all
all i think is cool is the iconic photograph and the symbol it has become
i wouldn't care if it was a place where they butchered puppies - i just like the pic

How many people who post on this page have been there? I have not. It's a nice back drop for the Queen is Dead photos but that's all I know of it. So I guess I don't really care about it. Still, it would be nice to hear from people who have been there and seen it.
thetexasbloke

only club still in existence set up for original purpose of keepin' lads & lasses busy run by volunteers
truly interesting building inside & out with dedicated smiths room, band practice room, concert hall, boxing gyms, billiards room etc..
morrissey & mike recently donated fab stuff to auction watch this space
if you wish you can donate too info on the salford lads club website
keep up the good work

How can anyone hate it?
I can understand indifference- it was just a photo, even give it a rest i'm sick of hearing about it but how anyone can decide they hate it is beyond me. It's a charitable place helping a lot of young people in Manchester, what's to hate about that?