Sheffield Wednesday have been awarded ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for the 2014/15 season.
The Owls are delighted to receive the prestigious award for the third consecutive campaign.
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.
A total of 42 clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League have achieved the award for 2015, with 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 and innovative matchday entertainment that delivers a money can’t buy experience for young fans.
Similarly many clubs are setting benchmark standards by introducing innovative new ways to interact with families before, during and after matchdays.
With an increase in the number of juniors and families now attending matches around the country, in the last six seasons junior attendance in the Football League has risen by 31% compared with a 6% increase in overall during the same period.
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.
“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.”
SWFC Director of Communications Trevor Braithwait said: "We are delighted once again to receive this prestigious award and more so given the bar for success was raised significantly this year.
"The work administered behind the scenes at the club in order to achieve the award cannot be understated and every respective department should be proud of their efforts.
"Sheffield Wednesday are committed to our status as a family-focused, community club and long may that ethos continue."