Hartlepool United is among 37 clubs that have been awarded 'The Football League Family Excellence Award' for 2010. This award recognises the experience we provide for young fans and families.

The Award is based on an independent assessment of the family experience at all 72 League clubs, commissioned by The Football League, during the 2009/10 season using 'mystery shopper' families.

In announcing the successful clubs, Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said:

"The 'Football League Family Excellence Award' provides a benchmark for clubs to work towards and ensures that they are doing all they can to attract and retain family groups as supporters.League clubs are working hard to make the family experience the best it can be."

Pools Chief Executive was delighted with the award, which acknowledges the hard work carried out at the Club,

"This is the result of everything we have done to try and make the ground, including catering facilities, Club Shop and ticketing a lot more attractive to supporters of all ages.

"I think it says a lot when the Club receives an award for excellence and it shows how much the facilities around the ground have improved.

"This is not the end though, we are continually working to improve facilities and listen to fans' comments and hopefully maintain this standard of excellence."

The Football League also aims to give encouragement to those clubs that have not been successful this year. Best practice guidance, feedback and training will be available to the remaining clubs to encourage their efforts towards achieving the mark next season.

With more family areas and family pricing initiatives combining to attract more people to their first game, the 2009/10 season has seen an increasing focus on making the experience itself more compelling.

Initiatives such as dedicated family stadium entrances, specially trained family area receptionists, technology-supported entertainment and a comprehensive effort to rid family areas of abusive language and anti-social behaviour, have all combined to increase the benchmark.

The judges were particularly impressed with the efforts clubs are making to ensure away travel is more attractive for families, ensuring they can enjoy the match together in a dedicated, safe, welcoming and entertaining environment.

The Football League will again recognise the club delivering the very best family experience in each division through the 'Family Club of the Year' award at this season's Football League Awards. The event will be held on 14^th March 2010 at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane.

Clubs that have achieved the award are shown below.Those highlighted in bold have achieved the award every season since it was introduced in 2007: