Friday 19th March 2010

Madejski Stadium Scoop Family Award

Reading Football Club were delighted to be named the E.ON Championship Family Club of the Year award for 2010 at the official Football League Awards.

The club received the award at a gala dinner at Grosvenor House, Park Lane on Sunday evening in front of 900 attendees from clubs, sponsors and the football industry.

The Royals saw off stiff competition to receive the award, and the Football League explained, 'Reading have put into place a number of fantastic family friendly programmes within Madejski Stadium and they make attending a match a truly family event.

'The focus on children attending football matches in a clean, safe and friendly environment is clear throughout everything they do, and their ticketing initiatives such as under 5's go free and special match ticket promotions make it very accessible.

'Their participation in the Football League's Enjoy the Match campaign went above and beyond, while they also run a very successful Young Royals club which has benefits including match tickets for just £1. Overall, the effort put in by everyone at the club has been the key to developing the strong family ethos that is so clearly evident.'

Our Marketing Manager Sara Jacob said, "The entire club have put in a real effort and we are absolutely delighted to win this award. We pride ourselves on making Madejski Stadium a place where families can enjoy football in the best possible environment and at affordable prices.

"For example, the club has worked very hard on reducing swearing, particularly in family areas, in conjuction with the Football League's Enjoy The Match campaign.

"We have also offered ticket promotions to help affordability for families, and our group ticketing schemes for sports clubs and schools have proved very popular.

"We work very hard at engaging with young supporters, particularly through our Young Royals membership scheme. One of our members won a national Football League writing competition last season and has written for our matchday programme throughout this season.

"We will be continuing this good work in the future and we would like to thank everyone at the Football League for this award."

Pictured right are Jackie Evans, the club's Customer Service & HR Manager, Craig Fiddes from sponsors E.ON and Sara Jacob, our Marketing Manager.

Commenting on the 2010 Football League Awards, Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney, said, "Once again, these awards have given us the opportunity to honour those clubs and individuals whose commitment to the game or their local community goes beyond the call of duty. The fifth Football League Awards have been an enormous success, and I congratulate all the winners on their achievements."

To find out more about The Football League Awards, including photos and news from the evening, please visit www.footballleagueawards.com