Accrington Stanley is joining with all other EFL clubs across the country, in reinforcing a league-wide commitment to saying no to bad language and aggressive behaviour in family areas on match days, making the matchday experience more enjoyable for all.
Junior and family attendances across the EFL have risen significantly over recent seasons, a ringing endorsement of clubs' extensive work to reach out, attract and engage with families. Supporting all of this work is the EFL's Enjoy the Match Campaign, an initiative that for many seasons has helped clubs to promote a zero-tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour in family areas.
The Enjoy the Match campaign can be seen across all EFL league stadia and, alongside the EFL's Family Excellence Awards Scheme, it plays a crucial role in helping clubs to attract families and young supporters to EFL matches.
Here at Accrington Stanley we want our fans to feel safe and part of a vibrant and exciting matchday experience. We ask all supporters to encourage the players, respect the match officials and help to create a great atmosphere inside the Wham Stadium.
Managing Director David Burgess said: “Here at Stanley we want our fans to have the best possible experience on a match day and leave smiling no matter what the result is. It is important that our supporters feel able to report any instances of anti-social behaviour that they witness so we can take any necessary action as required. The Enjoy the Match campaign provides supporters with the opportunity to raise any issues with the club in confidence.
“We are building a fan base for the future and it will always be our aim to make our fans proud of their club.”
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said, “So many of our clubs are now displaying innovative and engaging ways in which they are interacting with families and junior fans. There has never been a better time to visit your local EFL club on a match day, and enjoy the sorts of entertainment clubs are now providing to ensure the experience stretches well beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
“The new club-branded Enjoy the Match campaign materials are another vital cog in the wheel to ensure that the hard work being undertaken by clubs in providing such experiences, are not undermined by unwanted anti-social behaviour in family areas. Clubs are vigilant in this area and need fans' support to ensure everyone attending can Enjoy the Match.”