Stoke City is best family football club in league

Stoke City was crowned the EFL Family Excellence Club of the Season

Stoke City has been named the best family club in the English Football League (EFL) during the 2024/25 season, beating 71 other teams to the title.

It was crowned EFL Family Excellence Club of the Season after judges praised the "outstanding" matchday experience at the bet365 Stadium.

The Championship club came top across the three divisions and received a gold award for its matchday offerings for families for the fourth season in a row.

The report from the EFL's judge described The Potters as a "special club" with community and families at the core of everything it does.

'Worthy winners'

"Stoke City is a wonderful family club with an outstanding matchday experience," the report said.

Entrants in the competition are assessed via a number of criteria, including ticket purchasing, accessibility, facilities and communications.

City's chief operating officer Simon King said the award was a "proud recognition" of the dedication of the staff and the investment from chairman John Coates.

"The two-way dialogue with our fans, whether that be in person, via our matchday surveys or fan assemblies, has underpinned this achievement as we remain relentless in our desire to make matchdays engaging, welcoming and accessible for families," he said.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch described the club as "worthy winners" who had made a "positive and lasting impact" on their supporters.