Preston North End's charitable Trust delivers £16.6m in social value

Preston North End have hailed the huge impact of its charitable Trust.

Nearly 17,000 people have benefited from the work that the club’s Community and Education Trust (PNECET) has undertaken over the past year.

It launched its 2025/26 Impact Report, highlighting how the official charity of the Lilywhites engages with its community through education, health and community programmes.

Covering July 2025 to June 2026, the report highlights the 41 programmes which PNECET has delivered across 15,542 hours in Preston and the surrounding areas.

It also highlights £16.6 million in social value, reflecting the wider benefits created through improved wellbeing, stronger relationships and access to opportunities.

The report combines headline figures with personal stories showing how the charity supports people to improve their health, reconnect with education, develop skills and overcome isolation.

Its work is guided by ‘North End Together’, PNECET’s 2024–2027 strategy, which was developed using local data and feedback from participants, partners and communities.

John Hartley, Chief Executive Officer at PNECET, said: “This report celebrates our achievements and, above all, the lives changed through the dedication of our staff, Trustees, volunteers, partners and supporters.

“Between July 2025 and June 2026, we continued growing as one of Lancashire’s leading community charities, harnessing the power of Preston North End to inspire Preston, South Ribble and the surrounding areas.

“Through more than 40 programmes, we tackled health inequalities, supported education and employment, promoted wellbeing and reduced isolation. Behind every statistic in this report is a person whose life has been enhanced.”

Through community engagement, the Trust provides mentoring, inclusive football, youth work, Armed Forces support and opportunities for people who face barriers to accessing the football club.

Premier League Kicks engaged 1,072 young people, with 61 participants progressing into positive pathways. The Champions programme, which supports young people at risk of serious violence or offending, helped 10 young people return to education, while 73% of participants showed improved behaviours.

The Premier League Fans Fund supported the distribution of 4,250 complimentary match tickets, helping more people experience Deepdale. Within the Trust’s veterans provision, 95% built positive social connections.

Education and Employment supported 5,537 individuals through 14 programmes and 8,104 delivery hours. Premier League Primary Stars supported 2,910 pupils, while 87% of teachers reported improved confidence.

The report features George, whose school attendance had fallen to 36% before he joined PNECET’s Secondary School Provision and Premier League Inspires.

Through a smaller, supportive learning environment, he achieved 100% attendance at the Trust, completed an NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Sport and began Level 2.

George said: “Premier League Inspires made me want to attend. It feels more relaxed and welcoming, and it improved my attitude towards learning. I stopped messing around at school and my attendance rose to 100%.”

The Trust’s Centre of Sporting Excellence recorded a 100% pass and progression rate, while its higher education provision achieved 100% progression to employment, education or training.

Across Health and Wellbeing, 5,804 individuals received support through 16 programmes, including Cancer Prehab, WorkWell, Adult Healthy Weight and Sporting Memories.

Cancer Prehab supported 38 people through their cancer journey, with 100% reporting improved emotional wellbeing. Pauline Wilkinson, whose story features in the report, joined while preparing for treatment and lacking confidence in exercising safely.

Pauline said: “I was worried about doing anything physical but wanted to rely less on my walking stick. The sessions helped me feel safe and supported, and the coaches let me progress at my own pace. Being around people who understand has made a huge difference.”

The Adult Healthy Weight Programme engaged 186 adults, with 64% achieving 5% weight loss. WorkWell participants also reported improvements, with 88% experiencing better health and wellbeing and 77% improving their job-searching skills. Sporting Memories helped reduce social isolation for 93% of participants.

The report also celebrates Preston North End Women’s league title and promotion to tier five. Across the women and girls’ pathway, 169 players were registered, with two Emerging Talent Centre players progressing to Manchester City’s Academy.

Fundraising generated £113,688 during 2025/26, supported by community appeals, events and partnerships. Principal partner FWP extended its backing beyond its initial two-year agreement.

The Trust’s own workforce demonstrates the long-term value of its pathways, with 14 of its 45 contracted staff progressing into employment through a PNECET programme or pathway.

Kevin Abbott, Chair of Trustees at PNECET and Preston North End Club Director, said: “My thanks go to my fellow Trustees, staff and volunteers, whose passion and dedication underpin the stories of hope, opportunity and achievement within this report.”