Academic efforts rewarded with showpiece event invite

Two first year UCLan Sports Studies undergraduates were rewarded for their academic excellence with an evening at the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Annual Tribute Dinner.

April Waring and Daniel Osmond's efforts in their module, Sport in Society, where they analysed the socialisation of disadvantaged groups into sport, resulted in an invite to the event headlined by ex-West Bromwich Albion & England star Cyrille Regis.

Their assignment linked with the theme of the charity dinner, which was held in the Invincibles Suite at Deepdale in aid of the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre.

The community project continues the legacy of Sir Tom by providing football coaching, education and competitive football opportunities for people regardless of age, ability, disability, sex, social or racial background, who would not normally have an opportunity to play football.

April said he was delighted to have the opportunity to go to the event: "I was really surprised at being invited to attend the Dinner, but it was an opportunity I really appreciated as the topic of the night is something I'm really interested in. I had a great time and it was great to hear from Cyrille Regis and others from the sports industry."

Daniel added: "The evening was a great insight in to the charity work being done in the area to get people, who wouldn't normally have the chance, involved in football. It was also wonderful to see Tom Finney's legacy being preserved by so many people."