Walsall FC has been awarded with a Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2023/24 season, part of a group of 13 Clubs to be recognised for their exemplary work in engaging families on matchdays.Overall, 68 EFL Clubs achieved Family Excellence recognition – a record high for the scheme this season, with Clubs rewarded with either Gold, Silver or Bronze status based on the experience they provide to assessing families.
Testament to the success of the EFL’s Family Excellence Scheme, over one million junior supporters enjoyed a live matchday experience at an EFL game in the Sky Bet Championship, League One or League Two in 2023/24, a remarkable figure, and an indication of the high quality of experience EFL Clubs provide for young fans and families.
The EFL’s Family Excellence Scheme assesses the experience Clubs provide for match-going families through the use of family matchday assessors, covering a range of touchpoints across ticket purchase, matchday activations and experience, accessibility, facilities and family communications.
Walsall Co-Chairman Ben Boycott is proud the club has received the gold award as a reward for all the hard work that has been put in to improve supporter experience.
Speaking via the club's official website, he said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded with a Family Excellence Gold Award.
£As a club, we have made great strides in enhancing the matchday experience for supporters and this recognition further strengthens our commitment to improving supporter experience at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
"This past season has seen us re-open the supporters club, The Locker, and has also seen the introduction of more matchday activities in our fan zone, amongst many other things as well.
"A lot of hard work has gone in across so many departments and that will continue as we look to make even more progress in this area."
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch added: "Attendances across the EFL are at a modern day high and it’s really encouraging to see more than one million junior supporters attend an EFL match for the third season in a row, highlighting the great work being done by EFL Clubs to encourage young people through the turnstiles."