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5 May 2021 | 3 min |

Fylde Rugby Foundation's Power to Change Lives

Porsche Centre Preston is helping to drive Fylde Rugby Community Foundation’s new initiative to encourage more young people to participate in sport.

The Preston-based car centre has agreed a three-year deal to sponsor the Foundation’s Rugby Pathway Programme and help up to 25 young players each year, and 75 in total, enjoy the benefits of rugby club membership.

Each young beneficiary will receive help with practical measures like transport and kit and enjoy training support focused on a smooth introduction to playing rugby as part of a club.

The players will be selected from the Foundation’s Primary Prospects Programme, Junior Development Programme, Girls’ Rugby Programme, Wooden Spoon Rugby and Multi Sports Camps.

Phill Mills, the Foundation’s Head of Community Coaching, said: “In amateur youth sport, the support of local businesses can make all the difference for young people to get involved. Thanks to Porsche Centre Preston, the Rugby Pathway Programme can now help more young players to discover a love of sport which we hope will last a lifetime.”

Paul Bowker, chief executive of Bowker Motor Group, owners of Porsche Centre Preston, said: “As a family business, we are proud to support many grassroots sporting initiatives throughout Lancashire. The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation’s Rugby Pathway Programme immediately captured our imagination.”

Porsche Centre Preston centre principal, Tom Fox, added: “We believe that it is important that young people from all backgrounds enjoy access to the kind of quality coaching that transforms sporting experiences. We’re looking forward to watching the young players develop as the programme progresses.”

Sir Bill Beaumont, Honorary President of the Foundation, said: “Porsche Centre Preston’s sponsorship of this programme will help remove barriers and see more young people able to enjoy rugby. Giving this opportunity to those who might otherwise never have had the chance to play will make a real difference to their health, wellbeing and confidence. Being involved in a team sport like rugby, with meaningful values both on and beyond the pitch, has the power to change lives.”