The Football League has launched a new campaign, for the 2008/09 season, aimed at encouraging even more families to attend matches at Sixfields.

The 'Enjoy the Match' campaign aims to ensure parents can take their children to matches in a family friendly environment. It will focus on removing abusive language and aggressive behaviour from family areas.

Northampton Town will proactively steward family areas and display prominent signage discouraging anti-social behaviour. Additionally, a PA announcement, voiced by local children, will be played before each match to encourage positive support.

In the run-up to the new season Stuart Gray and the players have underlined their support by signing a pledge board which will be displayed in the family area of the ground. We encourage supporters to show their support for the campaign by signing the online pledge at www.enjoythematch.co.uk.

Stuart Gray said; "As a community club we have seen a huge increase in the number of children and families attending our games. We are very proud of our Family Excellence Award from the Football League and as such we urge all supporters attending games to Sixfields to back the campaign. Please support the team, make as much noise as you like and help build a cracking atmosphere, but to do that you do not need to swear or use offensive or abusive language. We are proud of our reputation as a family club and our loyal fans are our best advertisement. Please help us continue to attract the fans of tomorrow by supporting this campaign."

The Football League is supporting the campaign with a range of club guidance & resources, matchday programme ads, viral video and a promotional campaign.

Enjoy the Match has been introduced following a 'mystery shopper' exercise staged at all 72 League grounds last season. This exercise revealed that swearing formed a key negative impression on families at 46% of the 144 games assessed.

In launching 'Enjoy the Match' Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said:

"Young supporters will be the lifeblood of our clubs in years to come. It is therefore vitally important that we encourage more parents to bring their children into our grounds by creating a vibrant, family friendly atmosphere at all matches."