Family Excellence

ARGYLE have been awarded ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for the 2013-14 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, earlier this season.

A total of 47 clubs from across all three divisions of the Football League have been given the Award for 2014, the same number as in 2013 despite 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.

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.

The Football League has already recognised the clubs delivering the very best family experience in each division this season through the ‘Family Club of the Year’ award at this season’s Football League Awards. Argyle were crowned as League 2 winners. Middlesbrough were announced as overall winners, with Wolverhampton Wanderers picking up the League 1 award.

“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.”

Seven clubs secured the award for the seventh year running – Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Shrewsbury Town, Tranmere Rovers and Yeovil Town. Two clubs, Blackburn Rovers and Port Vale, have been awarded the accolade for the first time.

The award recipients are decided by an independent assessment using real families that has been commissioned by The Football League, at all 72 League clubs, during the 2013-14 season.