The weather did little to dampen the spirit at Preston North End’s community day on Sunday.
Over 1,000 fans at Deepdale braved the elements to watch a Simon Grayson’s XI take on a Fans’ XI to raise funds for Prostate Cancer.
Preston North End, Prostate Cancer and the Sir Tom Finney Community Foundation all came together for a wonderful day at Deepdale.
Joining them were the first team players who took part in a signing session with plenty of fans grabbing autographs and selfies with the North End team.
Fans were also able to have their photos taken next to the Sky Bet League One Play-Off trophy in return of a donation to Prostate Cancer.
Face painting facilities were provided so that kids could show their PNE colours whilst GAME Deepdale alongside Ubisoft offered fans the chance to play games and meet their favourite Star Wars characters.
On the pitch, children had the chance to take a penalty in front of the Alan Kelly Town End against young goalkeeper Mathew Hudson before the action got underway.
A Simon Grayson side which included former and current players such as Emile Heskey, Graham Alexander, David Dunn and Mark Lawrenson as well as singer Paul Heaton and TV’s Fenners from Soccer AM.
The 14 places on the fans’ team were snapped up at a charity auction on eBay and despite a formidable effort, the ex pros showed their class defeating the fans 6-2.
At half-time, the Player of the Year awards were distributed with Greg Cunningham receiving the Players’ Player and Sir Tom Finney Player of the Year as fans were able to celebrate with the players what has
been a magnificent first season back in the Championship.