Sheffield Wednesday 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.
The Owls take the coveted accolade for the second successive season following the club’s maiden inclusion in 2012/13.
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 provides clubs with a benchmark in their efforts to attract families through their gates.
“It is hugely encouraging to see so many clubs receiving the accolade, demonstrating The Football League’s commitment to securing the next generation of fans.”
Sheffield Wednesday’s Director of Communications Trevor Braithwait added: “We are delighted and proud to be awarded this accolade for the second successive season.
“The Football League Family Excellence Award is central to Sheffield Wednesday’s standing as a family-focused community football club.
“A huge amount of hard work has been administered behind the scenes in every department and this award is testament to those efforts.”
The award recipients are decided by an independent assessment using real families commissioned by The Football League, at all 72 League clubs, during the 2013/14 season.