A Wigan convnience store celebrates a £45k milestone with new funding for a local football club

A community-focused convenience store in Wigan, is celebrating having donated more than £45,000 to local charities, schools, community organisations and grassroots sports clubs over the past 17 years.

Nisa Local Smithy Green, run by local retailer Hepesh “Gaz” Halai and his brother, Mitesh Halai has announced its latest community funding award to Ince Rose Bridge Sports & Community Club’s newly established football section.

The funding has been awarded through Nisa’s Heart of the Community Awards programme, which offers grants of up to £2,000 to support projects that help young people develop confidence, improve wellbeing, build skills and feel included in their communities.

The award will help the club develop its new football section, giving more young people the opportunity to take part in grassroots sport, build friendships and develop teamwork in a supportive environment.

The announcement coincided with a special milestone for the club, as its Under-15s football team played their first-ever home fixture at the Bridge earlier this month. Representatives from Nisa Local Smithy Green attended the match to show their support, witnessing an impressive performance as the young players marked the occasion with a memorable victory.

The latest award reflects the store’s longstanding commitment to Making a Difference Locally (MADL), Nisa’s charitable initiative that enables independent retailers to support good causes within their communities.

Throughout 2026, Nisa Local Smithy Green has continued to support a wide range of local projects and organisations, helping to improve opportunities and provide practical assistance to people across Ince and the wider Wigan area.

Its community work includes supporting local Morris dancing groups, including New Springs Morris Dancers, with funding for costumes, clothing and equipment to help preserve local traditions.

The store also provides regular Wednesday donations of essential food and supplies to Homeless Aid UK. Representatives have occasionally joined outreach sessions to help distribute items directly to people experiencing homelessness.

Schools and young people remain another key focus, with initiatives including free bottled water for schoolchildren, fruit giveaways and assistance with school activities and events.

The retailer also supports grassroots rugby and football through sponsorship, sports kits, equipment and practical assistance for local teams, including Wigan St Pats Girls and the sporting sections of Ince Rose Bridge Sports and Community Club.

Alongside these activities, the store continues to support organisations working with vulnerable individuals and families, helping to promote community wellbeing and inclusion.

Its clothing bank collection initiative also encourages residents to donate unwanted clothing, with the scheme helping to raise funds for the store’s annual Christmas Day community giveaway.

Having served the Smithy Green community for more than 17 years, the store has made supporting local people a central part of its business.

From helping young athletes access grassroots sport to supporting food poverty initiatives, schools, charities and community groups, its contributions have now exceeded £45,000.

Gaz said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the latest Heart of the Community Awards funding going to Ince Rose Bridge Sports and Community Club’s new football section.

“Young people deserve opportunities to thrive, and grassroots sport provides so much more than just somewhere to play football. It teaches teamwork, discipline, respect and confidence, while bringing young people together and giving them something positive to be part of.

“We were fortunate enough to attend the Under-15s’ first home game at the Bridge, and seeing the lads put on such a fantastic performance and come away with a win was brilliant.”