Preston North End has continued to make big strides in Europe following the Club's recent soccer school in Germany.
The soccer school took place at St Georges School in Cologne and proved to be a massive success, with 74 children attending the five day event.
Children between the ages of four to 14 were able to enjoy learning new skills on the 3G pitch from four coaches from North End's community department in a week that has created more overseas interest in the football club.
Youth Development Officer Darren Finch, who has organised soccer schools in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and now Malta has praised the camp and believes that the trip is another great way of getting recognition for Preston.
"This was probably the most enjoyable soccer school that I have been involved with," Finch said.
"None of the coaches had been to Germany before and it was a joy to work with the children who were extremely respectful.
"The school was made up of only around 3% of English children so it was great to see international talent interested in the Club. We were impressed with what we saw and we will be keeping tabs on three or four of the players who shone throughout the week."
At the end of the week, the children were given their own souvenirs of Preston North End and due to the success of the trip; the Club are planning another trip to Cologne next year. Finch went onto say:
"At the end of the week, we gave away a signed shirt which will remain on show in the school with eight children winning PNE shirts. As well as this, the school now have 30 PNE balls to play with in their PE lessons.
"The success of the school is real a testament to my lads in the department who worked extremely hard to make it an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for everyone involved."
Matt Nelson, son of Preston North End's Club Chaplin Chris Nelson helped to organise the event with Finch and the North End fan has highlighted the recognition that the Club has received in the area.
Nelson Said: "The week has been a real highlight for me during this academic year. Being Preston through and through, it was nice to see members from the football club doing a fantastic job in helping our children to have such a great time and learning so much.
"Not many children knew about Preston North End before the week as most are from other countries, now I see them walking around with PNE football's and wearing the shirt!"
Teachers Marc Molloy and Rachel Webster have also highlighted the impact of the soccer school and are looking forward to the Club returning next year.
"The activities looked fun and exciting and the children really enjoyed working with the coaches. I was very impressed with how all of the activities kept the children busy and engaged," Molloy said.
Webster added: "The children thoroughly enjoyed all the challenges and skills that they learnt throughout the week. There was even a chance for the teachers to get involved with the coaches and children and show off their footwork! It is a definite yes for next year!"
