The EFL have just announced that Grimsby Town Football Club has achieved ‘Family Excellence Status’ once again.

For the second year running the Mariners have achieved the award that assesses the family experience Clubs provide, and rewards them with Gold, Silver and Bronze status for the quality of their match experience across a range of touchpoints including ticket purchase, matchday entertainment, accessibility, facilities and communications.

Of the 68 achieving Family Excellence status, 13 were recognised as ‘Gold Award’ winners for the exceptional family experience they provide for supporters on matchdays. 28 Clubs received Silver, while 27 received Bronze.

The Mariners were graded on various aspects of the matchday experience, from the staff, to the quality of refreshments available to supporters. Across both visits to Blundell Park last season, the Club received an overall score of 6.7 (out of 10) and achieved a Bronze Award. In the report we received special praise for our website, social media, and particularly the choice of refreshments available on a matchday.

In response to the club achieving Family Excellence Status for the second year running, Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) Kristine Green said, “We’re delighted to have, again, been recognised in the Family Excellence Scheme for the 23-24 season. It’s testament to a lot of small things coming together on matchday to improve the experience for families. The best recognition for this is the award of ‘Refreshment Touch Point Winner’ ranking highest among the 72 for our food provision. There is still work to be done though and we’ll continue to make improvements to the matchday experience where we can.”

Plymouth Argyle were awarded the inaugural Family Excellence Club of the Season, based on their two visit reports, and in recognition of the Club providing an outstanding experience for families and first-time fans.

EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch said, “Plymouth Argyle are a brilliant example of a family-friendly Club and worthy winners of the Family Excellence Club of the Season. From their Fan Zone at Home Park to their fantastic mascot Pilgrim Pete, they are a Club that goes all out to create a positive experience for supporters that keeps them coming back.

“Attendances across the EFL are at a modern day high and it’s really encouraging to see more than one million junior supporters attend an EFL match for the third season in a row, highlighting the great work being done by EFL Clubs to encourage young people through the turnstiles.”

A full list of EFL Clubs to receive Family Excellence status can be found on efl.com.

UTM