Grecians recognised again by the Football League
We’re delighted to announce that Exeter City Football Club has once again been awarded the Football League’ Family Excellence Award for the 2013/14 season.
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, earlier this season.
A total of 47 clubs from across all three divisions of the Football League have been given the Award for 2014 – the same number as in 2013, despite 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.
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.”
Exeter City Chief Executive Guy Wolfenden said: “Retaining the Family Excellence Award is a great credit to all of the staff and volunteers around our club that do so much to make St James Park a welcoming place on matchdays.
“The benchmark is always rising and it is a constant challenge to make sure we deliver a positive experience for supporters, regardless of whether we win, lose or draw – and it is a challenge that we are committed to meeting head-on.
“So the hard work starts now to ensure that we win the Award again in 12 months’ time by making improvements, big and small, in everything that we do.”
Seven clubs secured the award for the seventh year running – Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Shrewsbury Town, Tranmere Rovers and Yeovil Town. Two clubs, Blackburn Rovers and Port Vale, have 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 2013/14 season.
For more about the Football League visit www.football-league.co.uk.