The Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre (TSTFPSC) is a registered charity providing high quality, FA Charter Standard football coaching for able bodied and disabled children and adults. Their ethos is all about having fun, whilst taking part in football coaching and competitive games, regardless of ability and they encourage everyone to get involved.
Sir Tom Finney, the PNE legend, became their Patron in 2004 and provided a huge inspiration to its founders, players and coaches alike. His attendance and support of the Soccer Centre lifted the spirits of all those involved and his legacy lives on through the continued work of the charity and the current Patron Graham Alexander.
Last night, the charity held a tribute dinner at the Preston Guild Hall, in association with headline sponsor, Ashbridge Nursery at Maxy Farm at Cottam. Over 250 people attended, representing a number of local businesses, supporters, including Gordon Taylor, the CEO of the PFA, as well as six representatives of the Preston North End FC 1999/2000 Championship team, with the aim of raising money to help the fantastic work this charity has been doing for nearly 20 years.
The evening raised over £13,000, with two major highlights: Barclays Bank very kindly donated £5,000 and Bowker BMW confirmed their sponsorship of all 25 Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre competing teams for the next two years.
Peter Mason, Chair of TSTFPSC commented: “I would like to thank the former PNE players, the volunteers from UCLAN who attended and to our sponsors who helped make the event possible: Ashbridge Nursery at Maxy Farm, Barclays Bank, Bowker BMW, Millers Taxi’s, BBC Radio Lancashire, Sturridge Sports, and so many more. Without your support, enthusiasm and belief, this fantastic charity couldn’t exist.”