Friargate Court, Preston-based student and key worker accommodation, has agreed to sponsor the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Men’s Football Club for the 2019-2020 season. UCLan Men’s Football consists of four teams, all playing under the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) League system, with the First team playing in the Tier Northern 1A Division, having been promoted from the Northern 2A Division in the 2018-19 season.

The sponsorship by Friargate Court has provided all four teams with full playing kits and warm-up sweatshirts, as part of its commitment to improving and enhancing the overall experience of students at University. The University football team is self-funded by students, and reliant on the sponsorship of local businesses, such as Friargate Court, as without this opportunity, there would be little room for growth or development for University sports teams.

Friargate Court, and Portergate Property Management, Chairman Anthony Jackson commented “It is fantastic that we are able to allow these students to play football, University students are already limited by budget restrictions during their time at University, so we at Friargate Court are delighted we can provide this opportunity. It really shows our commitment to enhancing and improving the experience students have during their time in Preston, and we want to continue to build on this great relationship.”

Ben Foulds, Chairman of the UCLan Football Club, said “I’m so pleased to have our new partnership with Friargate Court. The new kit that Friargate Court has provided for our club has meant that we are able to lower the club membership fee for players, saving the students money, which has a massive impact on their ability to play football without financial restraint.

This support now means all four teams will play in the same kit this upcoming season, which best represents the University and club as one team, compared to the previous mismatch of resources.”

The accommodation at Friargate Court is managed by Portergate Property Management, one of several companies within the Portergate group.