MERKUR Community is backing Belfast-based charity MSCNI, which uses football to unite more than 50 nationalities. Funding supports grassroots sessions, equipment and kits, helping underrepresented communities participate fully. The partnership strengthens inclusion, boosts confidence and builds cross‑community connections for over 100 people.
As a global TV audience of 5.5 billion focuses on the progress of the 48 nations participating in what is the biggest ever edition of the FIFA World Cup, closer to home MERKUR Community is supporting a charity which uses football to promote inclusion engaging with over 50 nationalities.
From its base in Belfast, Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI (MSCNI has developed into Northern Ireland’s leading platform for ethnic minority participation in sport and culture.
MERKUR Community funding has contributed to the delivery of the activities provided by MSCNI including its Super League grassroots football sessions. The funding has been used to purchase new training equipment, cover the cost of venue/pitch hire, as well as the purchase of football kits including jerseys and training bibs.
MSCNI founder and CEO Jahswill Emmanuel BEM, highlighted the impact of the MERKUR Community award and how it helps to power the vision that underpins the organisation: “We are incredibly grateful to MERKUR Community for their support in helping us break down barriers to participation in sport” he stated. “This funding has enabled us to provide essential equipment and kits for underrepresented communities, creating opportunities for participants to engage, feel included, and thrive. These resources are vital in ensuring that participants, particularly those from low-income and marginalised backgrounds, can take part fully without financial barriers. Through initiatives like our Super League, we are not only promoting physical activity but also building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging across diverse communities. Support from MERKUR Community is directly benefiting over 100 participants, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening community cohesion.”
Tony Boulton, MERKUR UK’s Director of Public and Political Relations said: “We are delighted to include MSCNI among the over 300 charities, good causes and not for profit organisations that we have supported. MSCNI leverages football as a universal language of connection and change and it has an outstanding track record as the first established ethnic minority sports and culture organisation in Northern Ireland. Since launching in 2016 it has engaged with 20,000 people, pioneered the largest ethnic minority league in Northern Ireland and delivered leadership pathways with alumni progressing into coaching, volunteering, and governance roles.
“We are delighted to support MSNI’s core vision to use football as a tool to help build peaceful, cross-community relationships and in the process dismantle prejudices and promote belonging.”
