Grecians recognised by prestigious EFL award
Exeter City are proud to announce that the club has retained its EFL Family Excellence status for the 2016/17 season. The announcement was made at Stadium MK, the home of MK Dons, on Thursday, April 27.Created in 2007, the EFL Family Excellence Award recognises the outstanding experience provided by clubs for young fans and families, as well as their efforts to enhance the matchday experience.
This season and a record breaking number of 51 clubs from across all three divisions in the EFL have been recognised.
In achieving the award, Exeter City have been recognised for offering superb entertainment for families at St James Park throughout the 2016/17 season. The club has been active in engaging with young fans and families through initiatives such as last Saturday’s ‘Kids in Charge’ event which saw 59 children have an experience that money couldn’t buy, shadowing important roles at the club.
This season has also seen the club’s matchday Ambassador service flourish outside the stadium, making the matchday experience easy for first-time family visitors and fans, home or away.
Exeter City are proud to have retained the Family Excellence Award this season in its 10th anniversary year, and chairman Julian Tagg is keen to stress the importance of ensuring the club engages with the next generation of supporters.
Julian said: “As a supporter owned community club, we are delighted to once again be recognised for our hard work in making sure young fans and families have the best possible experience at Exeter City, and ultimately become the future fans of the club
“Key individuals at the club have worked tirelessly to retain this award, and my thanks goes out to them for their efforts.”
Martin Weiler, Supporters’ Trust chairman added: "This is brilliant news and a real credit to everyone who has worked so hard to make Exeter City a family friendly football club.
“Encouraging and welcoming families is a top priority for the Supporters Trust and this award confirms we are on the right path."
As well as retaining the Family Excellence title, Exeter City also received nominations in two further awards.
Firstly, the Most Improved Club award, in recognition for continuing the sterling efforts led by Richard Knight since the club was re-awarded its Family Excellence status last season.
The second nomination was for the Friendliest Staff, in recognition of the warmth, friendliness and engagement of all staff at the club. Starting with the warm welcome from the matchday ambassadors, to stewards and shop staff, family room staff and refreshment staff in making families feel welcome at the Stevenage match on February 18.
Over the past 10 years, more and more young people have made their way through the turnstiles in the EFL, with junior season ticket sales having increased by a staggering 37% since 2007, and 20% of all EFL club match attendees now under the age of 16.
Such evidence is a strong indication of a healthy future for football in this country according to Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive.
He said: “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 match day 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.
“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.”