Latics on the ball for families

OLDHAM Athletic has been rewarded for its commitment to providing a positive matchday experience for young fans and families.

The club is among only 37 nationwide to be given The Football League Family Excellence Award.

The award is based on an independent assessment of the family experience at all 72 League clubs and is commissioned by The Football League using “mystery shopper” families.

Latics chief executive Alan Hardy said: “Picking up this award for the second year running is fantastic news for the club and it is testament to all the hard work put in by all our staff and it shows just how much we value the support of all the families that come to Boundary Park.

“ We will be going for our hat-trick of awards next year.”

The Football League will give guidance, feedback and training will be available to the clubs that didn’t get the award this year to encourage them to up their game next season.

With more family areas and family pricing initiatives combining to attract more people to their first game, the 2009-10 season has increased the focus on making the experience itself more compelling.

Initiatives such as dedicated family 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 putting in to make travelling to away games more attractive for families.

An awards ceremony in London on March 14 will reveal which team has won Family Club of the Year in each division.

Latics have also been shortlisted for Community Club of the Year at the same awards ceremony — the only Northern club in the shortlist.

They will compete against Brighton and Hove Albion, Colchester United, Queen’s Park Rangers, Southampton, Southend United and Watford.

Mr Hardy added: “Oldham Athletic is at the heart of the community and our community trust team, headed by Colin Moore, deserve special mention for all the diversified work they carry out in the borough.

“A lot of organisations and individuals have benefited from the work that our community team has carried out and, over the next few years, we expect to see our work in the community increase even more.”

The Football League Awards recognise footballing excellence on and off the field with clubs and players honoured alongside fans.

There will be 19 award categories in total, including a range of football awards and industry-specific honours.