MERKUR Casino UK has donated a combined £1980 to two Greater Manchester sports organisations through its MERKUR Community Programme, helping to strengthen grassroots sport and increase community participation across the region.
Old Trafford Sports Club (OTSC), which promotes healthy recreation in the local community through the provision of sports and leisure facilities, has received £1000. Working closely with the local council, the club supports primary sports including cricket and football, with teams such as South Manchester Athletic FC and Old Trafford Cricket Club making use of its facilities.
The funding will enable OTSC to purchase essential equipment, including goalposts, while also contributing towards operational costs, helping the club continue to host community events and sporting activities throughout the year.
MERKUR has also donated £980 to Flixton Jaguars, an under-13 boys’ team within Flixton Juniors AFC. The long-established community club provides opportunities for boys and girls aged four and above through to men’s and women’s open-age teams, creating a positive and inclusive environment where players can develop their footballing skills while building confidence through team-building sessions and local tournaments.
The donation will fund new home and away kits for the junior team, ensuring every player has access to a full matching kit and supporting the club’s mission to foster pride, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging.
Philip Boast, Administrative Secretary of Old Trafford Sports Club, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to MERKUR Casino UK for this support. The funding will help us invest in essential equipment and cover costs associated with running activities throughout the year, ensuring we can continue to provide sporting and leisure opportunities for people across our community.”
“Local clubs like ours rely on this kind of support to keep facilities accessible and welcoming. With demand for community sport and events continuing to grow, this donation will make a real difference.”
Dave Niblett, Team Manager at Flixton Jaguars, said: “This donation means every player in our team will have access to a full, matching kit, helping create a real sense of pride and belonging both on and off the pitch. At Flixton Jaguars, we are committed to providing an inclusive and positive environment where young people can develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team. We would like to thank MERKUR Casino UKL for helping us continue that work.”
The programme reflects MERKUR’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, working closely with local organisations to deliver meaningful support where it is needed most.
Mark Schertle, chief operating officer at MERKUR Casino, said: “Grassroots sports clubs play an incredibly important role in bringing communities together, providing opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, build confidence and develop lasting relationships.”
“We are proud to support both Old Trafford Sports Club and Flixton Jaguars through our programme. The fantastic work these organisations do has a real impact locally and we hope this funding helps them continue to grow and provide those opportunities to even more people across Manchester.”
Since its launch in 2024, the programme, funded by MERKUR and voluntary donations from its customers from venues across the UK, has donated £423,095.90 to support over 200 community groups and charities nationwide.
