Lancashire Police has purchased four Preston North End season cards for the 2021/22 season, which will be distributed together by the local constabulary and Preston North End Community and Education Trust to deserving members of the community for each home matchday.
The season cards have been purchased through the Proceeds of Crime Act to reward people for acts of kindness and good-will gestures to benefit others in their community and will also be used by PNECET to continue to inspire and connect participants who access its provision.
The season cards will be shared between Lancashire Police and PNECET on a match-by-match basis throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
Ahead of each home matchday on which Lancashire Police is distributing the season cards, nominations will be sought from the general public via Lancashire Police’s social media channels for deserving members of the community to be given access to the season cards for one game, before being passed to someone else for the following fixture.
PNECET Deputy CEO Harriet Creighton-Levis said: “We are proud to be working alongside Lancashire Police on a new ticketing initiative to provide tickets for deserving members of the community who might not otherwise be able to attend Deepdale on a matchday.
“We are delighted to have recently returned to Deepdale with unrestricted crowds inside the stadium, but wish to continue to harness the sense of community generated over the last 18 months by offering people commendable of recognition the chance to support Preston North End at Deepdale, which in turn, we hope stimulates positivity within the local community.
“Inviting deserving people to Deepdale who might not ordinarily be recognised for their selfless acts has the potential to connect new and existing supporters while inspiring people through the power of PNE and football as a whole.”
Football Officer for Preston North End, PC Paul Elliott, added: “Working closely with PNECET, it has inspired me to be more community focused. Football is more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch.
“If this can give some respite or relief to people who are struggling or it brightens up their day, whether they’re working hard in the community or can’t afford to go to the game, then it’s of benefit to the club and the wider community.
“For people who have been furloughed or lost their job as a result of the pandemic, buying a match ticket might not be a priority, but for those people’s wellbeing, football can be a great way of getting out of the house and finding some escapism.
“The lockdown has ended but people’s struggles haven’t. We have encouraged community spirit for 18 months where people have pulled together and we hope that can continue through this initiative.”
If you wish to nominate someone to receive the season cards for a home matchday this season, please email community@pne.com.