Sportswear giant Umbro has given £50,000 towards the new South Manchester Maccabi Sports Club. The company — whose head office overlooks the north Cheshire site where the £1 million Henry Guterman community sports centre will be built — handed over the cheque last Friday.

The relationship may also see members trying out new Umbro merchandise.

Club chairman Johnny Davis says the project will open up a world of possibilities for local youth. “We may see some of our kids testing Umbro equipment. The managing director sent me an email this week saying he cannot wait for his company to be on site with us.” The centre is due to open by mid-2010.