THE Football League has launched a new campaign for the 2008-09 season aimed at encouraging even more families to attend football matches.
The 'Enjoy the Match' campaign aims to ensure parents can take their children to matches in a family-friendly environment. It will focus on removing abusive language and aggressive behaviour from family areas.
Norwich City will proactively steward family areas and display prominent signage discouraging anti-social behaviour. Additionally, a PA announcement voiced by local children will be played before each match to encourage positive support.
In the run-up to the new season Norwich City's manager and players have underlined their support by signing a pledge board which will be displayed in the family area of the ground. Supporters are encouraged to show their support for the campaign by signing the online pledge at www.enjoythematch.co.uk.
Norwich striker Jamie Cureton said: "This is a great initiative for the supporters and we're very pleased to be involved. 'Enjoy the Match' will help to provide a positive family atmosphere at the ground which will hopefully keep young fans coming through the gates."
The Football League is supporting the campaign with a range of club guidance and resources, matchday programme advertisements and a promotional campaign.
Enjoy the Match has been introduced following a 'mystery shopper' exercise staged at all 72 League grounds last season. This exercise revealed that swearing formed a key negative impression on families at 46 per cent of the 144 games assessed.
In launching 'Enjoy the Match' Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: "Young supporters will be the lifeblood of our clubs in years to come. It is therefore vitally important that we encourage more parents to bring their children into our grounds by creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere at all matches."
