Argyle Scoop Family Award

ARGYLE have been named Family Club of the Year for Sky Bet League 2 - for the second year in a row.

At the Football League Awards in London on Sunday night, Argyle were named as the recipients of the award, honouring clubs leading the way in providing the very best experience for families across the Football League.


Judged using a 'mystery shopper' scheme, the award honours the clubs that are leading the way in continuing to provide the very best experience for families across The Football League.

In nominating Argyle, the Football League said: "Plymouth Argyle and its Community Trust have introduced a number of new initiatives at Home Park and enhanced existing initiatives to attract more families to games and also ensure that current users have an enjoyable experience.

"This included starting the PL2 crew - a new, exclusive club for young supporters, as well as offering exclusive access to first-team training sessions. The club also launched the new community trust website and the formed the Argyle Angels - a group of 14 females who supplement family activities."

The shortlists were drawn up by a panel of judges following a stringent assessment process. Judges included influential members of media, sports industry figures and representatives of The Football League and its partners.

Argyle youngster Ben Purrington was on a final shortlist of three for League 2 Apprentice of the Year, but lost out to Bradley Walker of Hartlepool United.

There were also awards for a pair of former Pilgrims. Steve Fletcher, who had a loan spell with Argyle towards the end of the 2011-12 season, won the Sir Tom Finney Award. Formerly known as the 'Credit to the Game' award, The Sir Tom Finney Award is presented to a player that has had an outstanding career in its competitions in honour of Preston North End and England legend Sir Tom Finney, who died last month. Big Fletch, a legend at AFC Bournemouth having played over 700 games for the Cherries.

Ex-Argyle centre-back Reda Johnson, now at Sheffield Wednesday, was given the PFA Player in the Community award. Reda, a Benin international, has made more than 100 community appearances during the last three seasons. The Owls defender also made a substantial donation to allow Norfolk Park School in Sheffield to purchase a computer system for the less physically able.