Stevenage FC has been named The Football League Family Club of the Year for League 2 at The Football League Awards 2015.
Stevenage received the award at the gala ceremony at The Brewery, London, on Sunday evening in front of over 600 guests from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.
The Football League Awards 2015 mark the 10th year of the awards, which celebrate on and off pitch excellence across The League’s 72 clubs. This year all 72 clubs were nominated for at least one award.
Football League clubs excel at attracting young fans and families to their grounds to watch live football. By using mystery shopper families, The Football League acknowledges the clubs that are delivering a fantastic family match day experience. This award honours those clubs that are leading the way in continuing to push the standard even higher to providing the very best experience for families across The Football League.
Stevenage were one of three divisional Family Club of the Year winners, with Colchester United winning the League 1 and overall award, and Brighton & Hove Albion being awarded the Championship accolade.
We were one of just six clubs in the Football League nominated in the Family Club of the Year category which looks for the club that best demonstrates outstanding delivery of activity to attract and retain families at games. Among other criteria the entries are judged taking into account specially targeted pricing; matchday entertainment, catering, programme and interaction; and the first assessment visit as part of the Family Excellence Awards this season.
Barry Webber with the League 2 Family Club of the Year trophy
Barry Webber, Chief Executive at Stevenage FC, commented, "Our award for League 2 Family Club of the Year recognises the work we are doing to deliver the best matchday experience for families across the Football League.
"To be just one of six clubs shortlisted across the divisions for Family Club of the Year was an achievement in itself, but to be crowned the best family experience in League 2 is terrific news.
"We'll continue to be creative as we look to attract the next generation of fans and their families to The Lamex Stadium. With promotion to League 1 still a real possibility and 2015/16 season tickets set to reward fans further, it's an exciting time for all at the club as the season draws to a close."
First year professional Ryan Johnson was one of three talented youngsters up for League 2 Apprentice of the Year and attended the night with his parents. Congratulations to Portsmouth's Conor Chaplin who won the award but Ryan can still be extremely proud to be shortlisted after his achievements on and off the pitch.
Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of The Football League, said: "The 10th Football League Awards has given us the opportunity to reward outstanding performance, both on and off the pitch, during what has been a memorable Football League season.
"Each of our winners thoroughly deserves this recognition and, once again, we've seen exceptional levels of talent, dedication and achievement across all our nominees."
The Football League Awards 2015 were streamed live on The Football League's official YouTube channel and website, while highlights will be shown on Sky Sports 1 on Monday evening at 6:15pm and 9:15pm.
To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, please visit www.FLAwards.com.
Your next opportunity to visit the League 2 Family Club of the Year is this Saturday when Carlisle United visit The Lamex Stadium in our final regular home league game of the season. Tickets are cheaper in advance and can be purchased at www.borotickets.co.uk.