The Football League have recognised a record 51 clubs in the 2016/17 Family Excellence Awards.
Created in 2007, the Award recognises ‘outstanding experience’ by clubs when it comes to the match day experience of youngsters and families and in its 10th anniversary year, an unprecedented number of clubs have attained the Award for this season.
Four clubs – Aston Villa, Cambridge United, Mansfield Town and Newport County – and also received the Award for the first time.
The EFL look at things like ticket booking assistance for families, pre match advice that is given, entertainment both in and outside of stadiums on match days, access to players, interaction with mascots and dedicated family zones and activities when it comes to awarding the gongs.
They also point to over the last decade that more youngsters are now making their way through turnstiles and junior ticket sales have increased 37% since 2007, with 20% of all match attendees now being under the age of 16.
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey told the efl.com.
‘The EFL Family Excellence Awards have proven to be a fantastic vehicle for celebrating and highlighting the excellent progress that clubs are making in providing families with improved matchday experiences. Now in their 10th year, the Awards have made a significant impact and this year`s winners have once again shown how innovative thinking and a strong commitment can enhance the experience for both home and away supporters.’
Adding.
‘I wish to congratulate each and every club who has been recognised for playing their part in continuing to attract a growing number of younger fans to the game in what is undoubtedly a valuable indication of a bright and healthy future for the EFL.’
Over the last ten years eight clubs have secured the award in every year they have been eligible to receive it – Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Reading.
Clubs receiving the Award in 2017:
AFC Wimbledon
Aston Villa
Birmingham City
Blackburn Rovers
Bolton Wanderers
Brentford
Brighton & Hove Albion
Bristol City
Bristol Rovers
Cambridge United
Cardiff City
Carlisle United
Charlton Athletic
Cheltenham Town
Chesterfield
Colchester United
Crawley Town
Crewe Alexandra
Derby County
Doncaster Rovers
Exeter City
Fulham
Huddersfield Town
Ipswich Town
Leeds United
Luton Town
Mansfield Town
Millwall
Milton Keynes Dons
Morecambe
Newport County
Northampton Town
Norwich City
Nottingham Forest
Oldham Athletic
Oxford United
Peterborough United
Portsmouth
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
Reading
Rochdale
Rotherham United
Scunthorpe United
Sheffield Wednesday
Shrewsbury Town
Southend United
Stevenage
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers
Yeovil Town
