Doncaster Rovers has again been awarded ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for the 2014/15 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.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 Rovers have been recognised as offering superb entertainment for families at the Keepmoat Stadium throughout the 2014/15 season, engaging with young fans and families through such initiatives as the DCLT Family Area.
Doncaster Rovers is proud to have achieved the Family Excellence Award this season, and Communications Manager Ryan Murrant was keen to stress the importance of ensuring the club engages with the next generation of supporters.
"For the Club to win the award again, and to be one of only six Clubs that have won it every year is a credit to those that have started this exciting journey," he said.
"We do a number of things each matchday to get this award, but I want to go beyond that and make this an even better place for families in Doncaster to visit."
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.