Bradford City Awarded EFL Family Excellence Gold Status

Bradford City A.F.C. have announced that the club has been awarded the prestigious EFL Family Excellence Gold Award for the 2024/25 season, recognising exceptional efforts in providing a memorable matchday experience for families.

This award marks a significant achievement for the Bantams, who became the only EFL club to leap directly from Bronze status in 2023/24 to Gold in 2024/25, highlighting the club’s commitment to enhancing the family matchday experience at the University of Bradford Stadium.

The EFL Family Excellence Scheme evaluates the overall family experience provided by clubs, with assessments conducted twice per season by family experience inspectors. The evaluation covers aspects such as ticketing, accessibility, stadium facilities, catering, entertainment, and the overall quality of communication with family supporters.

Bradford City was one of only 18 clubs across all EFL teams to achieve Gold status, with assessors commending the club’s “exemplary level of engagement and service” and the stadium’s “familial and inclusive atmosphere.”

Key initiatives introduced this season at the University of Bradford Stadium include:

• Dedicated Family Entrance in the Morrisons Family Stand
• ‘Here to Help’ fan ambassadors assisting matchday visitors
• Roaming face painters and concourse DJ
• PlayStation 5 area for young fans
• Significant enhancements to Billy’s Coop, creating a vibrant activity hub with appearances from first-team players.

Another major addition this season was the launch of the Bantams Clubhouse, a new Junior Fanzone at BEAP, delivered in collaboration with the Bradford City Community Foundation, BEAP Community Partnership, and supported by the Premier League Fans Fund. The Clubhouse provides free, engaging pre-match activities for young supporters aged 5-16, along with a wellbeing space tailored to under-5s.

Bradford City CEO Ryan Sparks reflected proudly on the achievement, stating:

“We know the impact our football club can have on the community and wanted to repay that by ensuring the matchday experience is about more than just the 90 minutes of football, especially for families.”

“Seeing the improvements and receiving Gold status is testament to the dedication of our staff behind the scenes. To be the only club to move from Bronze to Gold status within a year is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

“Our aim continues to be creating something Bradfordians can be proud of, while attracting new fans to come and support their local club. We’re committed to constantly improving the matchday experience to ensure it’s as enjoyable as possible.”

The EFL’s Family Excellence Scheme achieved another record-breaking year, with 18 clubs awarded Gold status—the highest number ever. EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch praised the clubs’ collective efforts, saying:

“We’re incredibly proud of the effort our clubs put into making matchdays welcoming and enjoyable for families. The growing number of clubs receiving Family Excellence recognition underlines the fantastic experiences they are creating nationwide.”