Club receives accolades from the Football League
Huddersfield Town has been recognised again for its commitment towards a fulfilling family experience on match days.
As well as being awarded ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for the 2012/13 season – the sixth consecutive season Town has received that accolade – the Terriers also won the ‘Welcome to the Club’ award, which is given to the football club that gives the best welcome to families across in the entire League.
The ‘Welcome to the Club’ award was given to Town because of the ‘Town Family’ initiative; the group of match day staff who are positioned around the Stadium to help out first time visitors and provide helpful information to all supporters.
The use of face painters, innovative match day entertainment, pro-active Ticket Office staff, the special kids section in the match day magazine ‘Give Us An H’ and Town’s ‘New Fan Guide’ (click HERE to view), which is emailed to first time buyers ahead of match day and promoted on Twitter each match day, were all contributing factors towards the Club picking up the ‘Family Excellence’ Award once again.
Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens commented:
“We have a great team of very passionate people working day in, day out to make every game special. Huddersfield Town is very committed to providing everyone, whether they are families, long-term Season Card holders or first time or occasional visitors, with a great match day experience so they come back again and again and tell others how great it is to come and watch live football. Although we can’t guarantee things will always go right on the pitch every game, we try hard to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable all-round experience that will leave them wanting more.
“Young supporters are very impressionable, particularly on their first visit to the Club, and we want to make sure that we have an affordable, enjoyable experience for them and their families that will help to create Town fans for the future.
“Small things can make the difference, such as the ‘Town Family’, and all go towards make the day a little extra special and we’re delighted that the Football League has recognised this. We are also seeing other clubs creating their own versions of the “Town Family” which is a good sign for us too.
“We will look to further improve our match day experience for all fans again – not just families – going into the 2013/14 season.”
Created in 2007, the Award recognises the outstanding experience clubs provide for young fans and families at their grounds. The winners are decided by an independent assessment, using ‘mystery shopper’ families commissioned by The Football League, at all 72 League clubs during the 2012/13 season.
47 clubs from across all three divisions of The Football League were given the Award for 2013 – with eight clubs securing it for the sixth year running. A total of four also won the award for the first time this year.
In announcing the successful clubs, Football League Chairman, Greg Clarke, 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.”
With greater use of family areas, match day entertainment and family pricing initiatives, the 2012/13 season has seen an increasing focus on making the experience itself more compelling.
The provision of specific pre-match information for families and first-time fans, dedicated family stadium entrances, specially trained family area receptionists, technology-supported entertainment, and a comprehensive effort to rid family areas of abusive language and anti-social behaviour, have all combined to increase the benchmark.
The judges were particularly impressed with the efforts clubs are making to engage with families through match day entertainment, refreshment facilities and mascot activities, all ensuring they can enjoy the match in a dedicated, safe, welcoming and entertaining environment.
The Football League also aims to give encouragement to those clubs that have not been successful this time around. Best practice guidance, benchmarking feedback and training will be available to the remaining clubs to encourage their efforts towards achieving the mark next season.
