Rochdale win Family Excellence Award

Rochdale Football Club Football Stand

Rochdale Football Club has received the Football League’s Family Excellence Award for the 2014-15 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.

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.

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.

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.”
Dale’s Supporter Liaison Officer, Gina Buckley, commented: “It is a real honour to receive this accolade for a fifth time.

“As a club we are committed to delivering a positive matchday experience for young supporters and families, and it is fantastic to see this recognised by the Football League.”
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 2014/15 season.