Family Care teams up with Preston North End to provide training sessions for SEND young players

The 12-month partnership, which will see Family Care become an official partner of the Trust, has been created to support the continued growth of PNECET's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. It will now enable the Trust to provide one under-18 and one over-18 SEND session each week to take place for participants across the local community.

Through the partnership, Family Care Group, which itself runs three schools specifically for young people with SEND requirements, will help PNECET to continue providing inclusive opportunities for young people and adults with SEND, supporting participants in a safe and welcoming environment.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating positive outcomes for individuals and families across Lancashire, while ensuring that high-quality SEND provision remains accessible to those who need it most.

Jonathan Breeze, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Preston North End, said: "We are delighted to welcome Family Care as an official partner of the Trust.

"Family Care shares our commitment to making a positive difference within local communities, and this partnership will help to support the important work being delivered by the Trust. We're looking forward to working together over the next 12 months and seeing the impact we can make together."

Jack Mountain, Head of Fundraising at PNECET, said: "Support like this partnership is hugely important because it allows us to continue delivering inclusive opportunities for people with SEND and their families. The demand for these programmes continues to grow, and partnerships such as this help ensure we can keep providing meaningful experiences that have a lasting impact on those who take part.

"We're proud to be working with an organisation that shares our values and commitment to supporting communities across the region."

Family Care Group, based in Chorley, is a leading provider of foster care for young people in both the North West of England and the Midlands. It also provides specialist educational services for young people with special needs across both areas. It has developed a reputation for achieving great outcomes for children and young people across all of its services.

Phil Williamson, Director at Family Care Group, said:  “This is a tremendous opportunity for Family Care to extend its commitment to support young people with SEND requirements in Lancashire by working with one of the most historic and well known football clubs in the region.

“By helping to create new training opportunities such as this for young people, it refects everything we strive for in trying to provide the best incentive for both SEND children and adults to develop both their skills and their own self confidence.”