Rams strike gold for approach to engaging families

Derby County has been recognised by the English Football League for its exemplary work in engaging families on matchdays.

The Rams were among 13 clubs to be awarded a Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2023/24 season.

The EFL’s Family Excellence Scheme assesses the experience clubs provide for match-going families through the use of family matchday assessors, covering a range of touchpoints across ticket purchase, matchday activations and experience, accessibility, facilities and family communications.

The summary of the report submitted to the club, focussing on two visits to Derby County in the 2023/24 season, stated: “This season’s two EFL Family Excellence assessments have highlighted plenty of innovative and well-implemented examples of engagement at Pride Park.

“The consistently strong experience has significantly improved on 2022/23 and puts the club back among the leaders for family excellence in the EFL.”

The club has recently introduced the use of Rammie and Ewie’s Activity Zone on home matchdays, which is an area designed with families in mind, and provides an interactive, fun and safe space for all ahead of kick-off.

The Family Fun Zone is located in Harrison’s Hub, which is in the North West Corner of the stadium.

Children and young people can take part in several family-friendly pre-game activities.

Colouring and crafts competitions are held, where fans can win exclusive prizes, while face-painting, videogames, foosball, ping-pong table, meet and greet opportunities with Rammie and Ewie are just some of the other activities on offer, while a Tuck Shop has also been introduced.

Stephen Pearce, chief executive at Derby County, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2023/24 season.

“A lot of hard work has taken place behind-the-scenes to improve and enhance our matchday experience, notably for children and young people attending matches with their families who are beginning their journey supporting the club, and therefore we know how important it is to provide a safe and welcoming environment at Pride Park Stadium.

“To see that hard work pay off by being one of just 13 EFL clubs to achieve Gold status is testament to the efforts of our passionate and driven staff.”