We are among a record-breaking number of EFL clubs to achieve Family Excellence Status for the 2022/23 season and the first time since 2018.
In total, 66 EFL clubs achieved the accolade last season with 12 clubs also recognised as ‘Gold Award’ winners for the exceptional family experience they provide for supporters on matchdays.
The Family Excellence scheme sees Clubs receive two visit assessments each season, in order to determine the quality of the family matchday experiences they provide. The scheme recognises the continuous improvement and best practice that emerges across the League and rewards Clubs for their efforts in attracting and retaining young supporters.
The League has worked directly with Clubs since the scheme was introduced in the 2007/8 season and during that time junior season ticket sales have risen by 41% with overall sales up by 28%.
The appetite for live football shows no signs of slowing down with crowds for the 2022/23 season across the EFL increasing by 12% compared to the previous season with attendances at an all-time high this century.
The Mariners were graded on various aspects of the matchday experience, from the staff, to the quality of refreshments available to supporters. On both visits to Blundell Park last season, the club received an 8 out of 10 score, higher than the League Two average of 7.2, and achieved a ‘Silver Award’.
The club received praise for the way that junior supporters are catered for by noting the flag bearers, number of mascots, birthday wishes on the scoreboard and stated that we have one of the best programmes for younger fans they had seen.
In response to the club achieving Family Excellence Status, fan-elected Board member and Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) Kristine Green said: “To receive Family Excellence status again is testament to the hard work that goes on around the ground.
“The Family Fanzone and Family Co-ordinator role have really helped give more focus and engagement with families and younger fans. There is always work to do though and we always appreciate feedback from the Family Experience visits and supporters that visit Blundell Park regularly.”
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “Our Clubs deserve an enormous amount of praise for the outstanding work they have done in making sure the matchday experience is a welcoming one for all families, which has helped boost attendances across all our competitions.
“From improved engagement with supporters before and after games, to innovative approaches on the matchday itself, such as creating dedicated fan zones and improving catering options, Clubs are pulling out all the stops to enhance their offering and attract the next generation of young fans.
“I would like to congratulate all those Clubs who have achieved Family Excellence status and thank them for their efforts.”
A full list of EFL Clubs to receive Family Excellence status can be found on EFL.com
