THE Football League has launched a new campaign, for the 2008/09 season, aimed at encouraging even more families to attend matches at Oakwell.
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.
Barnsley 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 Simon Davey has underlined his support by signing a pledge board which will be displayed in the family area of the ground. We encourage supporters to show their support for the campaign by signing the online pledge at www.enjoythematch.co.uk.
Simon said: "This is a great initiative for the supporters and we're very pleased to be involved. Going to watch football has traditionally been a family activity and this welcome initiative from the Football League will encourage more people to come as a family and be confident of a friendly and safe atmosphere.
"My hope is that the fans take on board what the Football League is doing and do their part in making a day out at a football match enjoyable for all the family."
The Football League is supporting the campaign with a range of club guidance & resources, matchday programme ads, viral video 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."
To find out more about The Football League's 'Enjoy the Match' campaign please visit the official website - www.enjoythematch.co.uk.
STRONGER TOGETHER - EXCLUSIVE VIDEO MESSAGE FROM STEPHEN FOSTER
STRONGER TOGETHER - MORE INFORMATION
STRONGER TOGETHER APPLICATION FORM
THE ONLY PLACE TO LISTEN TO LIVE COMMENTARY OF EVERY GAME IS BARNSLEY WORLD!!
Remember - the only place for confirmed news from Oakwell is right here at www.barnsleyfc.co.uk. Sign up to our official SMS service by texting CLUB BARNS ON to 88442 and don't miss out on a thing.
Bet with the Reds this summer and earn money for Barnsley Football Club with every single stake placed!!!
