Barrow have joined a total of 65 EFL clubs to have achieved Family Excellence status for the 2021/22 season, 12 of which have been crowned as ‘Gold Award’ winners for their exemplary work in engaging families on matchdays.
The record-breaking number, up from 63 clubs in 2019/20, recognises continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the League and rewards Clubs in their efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future.
Given the particularly challenging set of circumstances faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, EFL clubs have worked hard to ensure supporters have been welcomed back safely this season, while exploring new and innovative ways to continue to boost the matchday experience for youngsters and families.
Now in its 14th year, the Family Excellence Scheme is an ongoing consultation programme, which aims to drive continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues.
The scheme sees each EFL club receive two mystery family visits throughout the season, with their feedback and reports determining whether each respective club would achieve Family Excellence status.
Barrow’s score on both visits was an encouraging 8.0, which places us 11th in League Two and 40th in the EFL overall. The Club will be using the reports to help shape the fan experience as we continue in our plans for 2022/23.
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “I would like to congratulate the record number of clubs that have achieved Family Excellence status this season.
“Ensuring a memorable matchday experience is vital to attract the next generation of young fans, so it’s great to see so many clubs excelling in this area.
“Fans returning to EFL clubs in their millions this season has been fantastic to see and club staff should be commended for going the extra mile to make the matchdays engaging for families attending live games.”
The Gold Award Winners for 2021/22 are as follows: Blackburn Rovers, Doncaster Rovers, Exeter City, Fulham, Hull City, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe United, Sheffield United, Stoke City, and Swindon Town.