Crawley Town win Family Excellence accolade
Crawley Town FC is proud to announce it has been awardedt the EFL Family Excellence Award for the 2016/17 season.
anniversary this season and recognises the outstanding experience provided by clubs for young fans and families as well as their efforts to enhance the matchday experience.thCreated in 2007, the Award is celebrating its 10
A record breaking number of 51 clubs from across all three divisions in the EFL have achieved the award for 2017, with a significant increase in the benchmark standard being applied by the judging panel. 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.
More than ever this year, EFL clubs are providing families with engaging and innovative matchday entertainment, as they continue to find new and unique ways to attract fans and their families to matches.
In achieving the award the club has been recognised as offering superb entertainment for families at the Checkatrade Stadium throughout the 2016/17 season, engaging with young fans and families.
Crawley Town Anniversary year, and Operations Director Kelly Derham was keen to stress the importance of ensuring the club engages with the next generation of supporters.this proud to have achieved the Family Excellence Award this season in its 10
“We are really proud to receive this award for the first time since 2013," she said.
“It reflects the hard work the club have done in the last 12 months to improve the experience for family and young fans attending matches at the Checkatrade Stadium.
“I’d like to thank everyone behind the scenes for their efforts, from our stewards to tea-bar staff and, of course, our brilliant back-room team.
“Last week we opened Devils’ Den, which is our new matchday area for young fans, and we will be working hard during the summer to come up with more initiatives that improve the matchday experience for everyone at Crawley Town.”
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.”
Over the past decade eight clubs have secured the award in every year they have been eligible to receive it; Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Reading.
Meanwhile Aston Villa, Cambridge United, Mansfield Town and Newport County have been awarded the accolade for the first time this season.
The Award recipients are decided by an independent assessment using real families that has been commissioned by the EFL, across all 72 League clubs, during the 2016/17 season.
