Boro given fourth 'Family Excellence Award' and also crowned 'Most Improved Family Experience'
Stevenage has received further recognition of the excellent experience it provides for families and young fans by being awarded both ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for the 2014/15 season and 'Most Improved Family Experience'.
Fresh from being crowned League 2 Family Club of the Year at the recent prestigious Football League Awards, Boro also picked up their third consecutive Family Excellence Award (a fourth in just five Football League seasons) at the awards held yesterday at Birmingham City's St Andrew's Stadium.
Created in 2007, the Award recognises the outstanding experience provided by clubs for young fans and families as part of a scheme that won the Gold Award at the European Professional Football Leagues’ Best Practice Awards.
A total of 42 clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League have been given the Award for 2015, with a significant increase in the benchmark standard being applied by the judging panel. More than ever this year, Football League clubs are providing families with engaging family areas and offering innovative matchday entertainment that delivers a money can’t buy experience for young fans.
With an increase in the number of juniors and families now attending matches around the country (in the last six seasons junior attendance in The Football League has risen by 31% compared with a 6% increase in overall attendance during the same period), this is both testament to clubs’ work to attract them, and an indication of the challenge and importance of retaining them for generations to come.
In achieving the award Stevenage FC has been recognised as offering superb entertainment for families at The Lamex Stadium throughout the 2014/15 season, engaging with young fans and families through such initiatives as our Under-12 season ticket for £25 (which is being repeated in 2015/16 - buy at www.borotickets.co.uk), our Kids Takeover and Meet the Players events, revamped junior content in the match day programme, excellent match day catering and much more.
Stevenage is proud to have achieved the Family Excellence Award this season, which is another step in the club's vision to attract new faces by focusing heavily on the next generation of Boro fans and their families.
Marketing and Communications Manager Dave Toyn, who gave a best practice presentation at the awards to Football League colleagues, comments, "Receiving our fourth Family Excellence Award on top of our recent League 2 Family Club of the Year award is yet further testament to how Stevenage FC is becoming a really popular family club. The family that carried out our assessment this year was full of praise after both visits this season, highlighting in particular our friendly atmosphere and lots of little moments which underlined our commitment to attracting and engaging with families.
"We were also awarded 'Most Improved Family Experience' in 2014/15 and nominated in both the 'Feed the Family' (catering) and 'Magic Moment' (going above and beyond to provide a magical experience) categories; yet more recognition for what we believe is a fun day out for all the family."
He added, "Although delighted with the success of the past few weeks we recognise we're not the finished article, so we'll continue to work hard to further improve the family experience at Stevenage FC in the forthcoming season."
In announcing the successful clubs, Football League Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “The Football League Family Excellence Award gives clubs a standard to aspire to when planning their efforts to attract more families and young fans to their matches.
“It is hugely encouraging to see so many clubs receiving the accolade, demonstrating The Football League’s ongoing commitment to securing the next generation of fans.”
6 clubs secured the award for the eighth year running – Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Shrewsbury Town and Tranmere Rovers. York City has been awarded the accolade for the first time.
The award recipients are decided by an independent assessment using real families that has been commissioned by The Football League, at all 72 League clubs, during the 2014/15 season.
For more about The Football League visit www.football-league.co.uk.
Remember your final opportunity in 2014/15 to visit Stevenage FC, the League 2 Family Club of the Year, is this Sunday when Southend United visit in the play-off semi-final first leg. Kick-off is at 6.35pm and you can find out more information about tickets here.