Adam Farricker, former Head of Youth Strategy and Engagement at Manchester City Council, has been appointed Chief Executive of young people’s charity, East Manchester Youth Zone. 

Adam joins East Manchester Youth Zone with over 15 years of experience in leading and managing youth projects and has a keen interest in bringing communities together in support of young people. 

Set to open in Gorton in spring 2020, the £6.6million Youth Zone will provide a safe and inspiring place for young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs to take part in over 20 activities every evening. 

Adam has strong links with partner organisations in and around East Manchester and looks forward to forging lasting partnerships with local community groups to ensure the new Youth Zone launches with a fantastic offer for young people, from all parts of Manchester. 

When discussing his new role at the charity, Adam said: “East Manchester Youth Zone will be an amazing addition to Manchester, providing thousands of young people with new opportunities, which without the Youth Zone, would not be available to them. The Youth Zone will provide young Mancunians with the opportunity to take part in sports, arts, music, media, enterprise and much more. Most importantly, the offer will be unpinned by quality youth work. I am so pleased to be leading this fantastic charity and look forward to what promises to be an exciting journey for our entire community”. 

Joanne Whittaker, Chair of East Manchester Youth Zone said: “I am delighted to welcome Adam to the East Manchester Youth Zone team. Adam brings with a wealth of youth work experience, an in-depth understanding of the local area and most importantly, a true commitment to improving the lives of Manchester’s young people.”

East Manchester Youth Zone will host an indoor climbing wall, 3G kick pitch, dance and drama studio, music room with a recording studio, training kitchen, sports hall, fully equipped gym, arts and crafts studio, skate park, and much more, all for just £5 per year and 50p per visit. 

The new Youth Zone, which is being delivered in partnership with OnSide Youth Zones, Manchester City Council and a number of supportive businesses and philanthropists, will open whenever schools are closed including evenings, weekends and during schools holidays, 52 weeks per year.