Defender Matt Hill made a real splash during a recent visit to Preston Swimming Club.

The 26-year-old defender met club members during their training session at the city's West View Leisure Centre on Ribbleton Lane, with the reigning player of the season taking time out to chat with his fellow sportsmen and women before handing out tickets for the swimmers to attend a forthcoming PNE fixture at Deepdale.

The visit was arranged by Preston-based architecture and design practice Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) as part of its commitment to sport in the city.

FWP, which is based in Ribblesdale Place, sponsors both Matt and Preston Swimming Club, which has members of all ages. It also provides cash backing for Gallica - Lancashire's elite squad of young talented swimmers.

Neil Ainsworth, design partner at FWP - which specialises in designing and planning sports stadiums across the UK, and has masterminded the redevelopment of North End's Deepdale stadium - accompanied Matt on the visit.



David Robinson, managing partner at FWP, said:

"We were delighted to set this visit up and the swimmers really enjoyed meeting Matt and speaking to him about his life as a professional footballer.

"We are a Preston firm and our roots are firmly planted here in the city. We have a long track record of supporting local sport in the community, through PNE and the swimming club and our commitment to that is as strong as ever."

As well as designing and master planning Deepdale's regeneration project - which is on course to be completed later this year - FWP is behind plans to create a new stadium for Oldham Athletic, the revamp of historic Doncaster racecourse and ambitious plans for a new racecourse at Salford, Greater Manchester.

To find out how you can sponsor a first team player from just £400+VAT, contact the commercial department via commercial@pne.com or by calling 01772 693311/04.