Northampton Town is among 32 clubs from all three divisions of the Football League to attain the new 'Football League Family Excellence Award'. The Award is presented in recognition of the truly outstanding experience the League judge that provide for young fans and families at Sixfields.

In developing the award, the Football League commissioned an independent assessment of the family experience at all 72 League clubs during the 2007/08 season through the use of "mystery shopper" families.

Unbeknown to clubs, family groups attended matches at each club and assessed the family experience on offer. This was measured by taking into account levels of service in areas ranging from the ease of purchase of tickets and, helpfulness of stewards to ticket pricing and child protection policies.

In addition to recognising those clubs that are already providing outstanding family experience, the award also aims to encourage those that have not been successful this time around. Best practice guidance, feedback and training will be available to the remaining clubs to encourage their efforts and to help them achieve the award next season.

The Family Excellence Award forms the latest part of the League's 'Fans of the Future' initiative, its first centrally co-ordinated attendance-building programme. Launched in September 2005, 'Fans of the Future', supported by E.ON, aims to encourage the next generation of supporters to watch live football at their local League club.

Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "Through our 'Fans of the Future' initiative we are encouraging the next generation of young fans to watch their local League club. With some success too, so far more than 500,000 youngsters have attended matches for free during the last two seasons.

"The new 'Football League Family Excellence Award' represents a further step forward for the League in terms of recognising and sharing best practice in this area. Those clubs receiving the Award will have provided a genuine commitment to attracting and retaining family groups to their matches."

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