Exeter City Football Club is delighted to retain its EFL Family Excellence Award for the 2017/18 season.
The announcement was made today, Thursday, April 26 at Villa Park.
In achieving the award, Exeter City have been recognised for offering superb entertainment and opportunities for families at St James Park throughout the 2017/18 season. Family is at the heart of everything Exeter City do, and we pride ourselves on what we offer as a League Two community club.
The club came second in League Two, and 15th overall out of 56 clubs that were awarded the benchmark.
Exeter City have been active in engaging with young fans and families through initiatives such as the Junior Grecians Family Zone, which has been an incredible new addition this season, the role of the match day ambassadors, the club's match day activities such as face painting and magic shows, and our ‘Kids in Charge’ event which saw over 30 children have an experience that money couldn’t buy in shadowing important roles at the club.
Take a look at what makes Exeter City special
This season has 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. This was singled out at the EFL Fan Engagment seminar at Villa Park, with ambassador Phil Bater gaining praise for a recent visit from the EFL to St James Park, for going the extra-mile to help new visitors at the ground.
Find out more about Exeter City's ambassador service
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.
The club received two ‘mystery family’ visits throughout the season, with their feedback and reports determining whether each respective Club would achieve ‘Family Excellence’ status.
Commenting on the club's delight at retaining the award, Richard Knight, supporter liasion officer at Exeter City said: "Everyone at Exeter City is delighted to have regained the award and to have improved on last years performance.
"I'd like to thank all the key staff and voluteers who have contributed to the award. From our programme sellers, stewards and ticketing staff to all involved with the Junior Grecians, and young Harry and Seb for their invaluable contribution to our video.
"This award is an indication of how. we treat and value ALL our supporters, not just our family audience."
A total of 56 EFL Clubs have achieved Family Excellence status this season. The record breaking number, up from 53 Clubs in 2016/17, recognises continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues and supports Clubs’ efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future.
EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the continuous development and improvement made by EFL clubs in offering engaging match day experiences for families. For over a decade the EFL’s Family Excellence Scheme has helped to produce positive and impactful change across the leagues, helping to drive a real focus on match day entertainment, facilities and the overall experience on offer for families, and ultimately to assist in growing attendances.
“Its impact continues to be notable with several clubs gaining strong industry-wide reputations for offering true family value and a consistently high level of service and innovation.”
Exeter City is always looking to improve it's match day offering to families, and to improve our fan engagement. If you have any feedback, or suggestions please email: customerservices@exetercityfc.co.uk.
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