The EFL Family Excellence Scheme has been highlighted as the Best Fan Engagement Programme at the 2018 Sports Business Awards.

The ceremony, held last week at The Brewery, London, acknowledged some of the very best schemes and initiatives from across the sporting world, with the EFL recognised for its record breaking Family Excellence Scheme.

In a highly competitive category, the EFL pipped the likes of Everton School Supporters’ Club, FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 and the Fulham Football Club Fan Engagement Programme to the award, in what is a testament to the efforts of all 72 Clubs across the EFL.

The Family Excellence Scheme was launched to support Clubs in their efforts to attract and retain families and young fans. The process encourages Clubs to think strategically about all aspects of fan engagement but specifically to innovate around the matchday experience for families.

Research has shown that family attendance at matches plays an important role in creating committed fans of the future. By analysing the family experience at each club, each season, via a series of ‘mystery visits’, Clubs are incentivised to achieve ‘Family Excellence status’ and a range of best practice and innovation is shared and celebrated across the EFL.

In the years since its inception, EFL Clubs have contunued to view achieving Family Excellence status as hugely important to their fan engagement strategy.

EFL Family Excellence scheme earns Sports Business Awards recognition