Shrewsbury Town achieves EFL award
Shrewsbury Town is proud to announce it has been awarded the EFL Family Excellence Award for the 2016/17 season.Created in 2007, the Award is celebrating its 10th 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.
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 Town has been recognised as offering superb entertainment for families at Greenhous Meadow throughout the 2016/17 season, engaging with young fans and families through many great initiatives.
Shrewsbury Town is proud to have achieved the Family Excellence Award this season in its 10th Anniversary year, and Town CEO Brian Caldwell was keen to stress the importance of ensuring the club engages with the next generation of supporters.
“It’s great to once again be award the Family Excellence award after missing out on it last year”, said Brian.
“We have taken on board the feedback both the EFL and from supporters to help make coming to the Greenhous Meadow better for families.
“We will continue make improvements because I have spoken before about the importance of increasing the number of families who attend matches.
“From next season we have expanded the Family Stand and will be working with the Community to help improve the matchday experience.”
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.