College teams up with PNE to create Centre of Sporting Excellence

Preston’s College has partnered with Preston North End to create the Preston Centre of Sporting Excellence, set to launch in September.

The new venture will offer technical education programmes from levels one to three for 16 to 19-year-olds. The studies will include the opportunity to undertake work placements in a range of sporting disciplines, including roles on matchday at the Championship club.

Training will be jointly provided by tutors in facilities across both Preston’s College and Preston North End Community and Education Trust.

Tom Drake, head of the trust, said: "Ultimately, more young people across Preston are going to have the opportunity to study as part of the Centre of Sporting Excellence programme. What’s really important is that we provide a platform for young people to have a career in sport.

"I think we’ve got two really powerful brands in PNE and Preston’s College and now we can have a greater reach in combining our resources. We’re able to utilise the expertise and experience of tutors and staff at Preston’s College, as well as the excellent sports and training facilities, the 3G pitch and the gym."

Mick Noblett, Preston’s College vice principal, added: "We’re building and designing a curriculum that will really engage people in learning through sport whilst preparing them for the next stages of their life, whether that be employment or progression to university.

"From a partnership perspective, our collective strengths as organisations can really help develop young people into being the professionals of the future, in whatever guise that might be."

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