Millers scoop family award

ROTHERHAM United are among six clubs to have been awarded the Football League Family Excellence Award for the first time.

The award is based on an independent assessment, commissioned by the Football League, of the family experience at all 72 League clubs during the 2010/11 season.

Initiatives such as dedicated family stadium entrances and a comprehensive effort to rid family areas of abusive language and anti-social behaviour have been 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.

Millers chairman Tony Stewart heralded the award as a big step forward for the club.

He said: "Behind the scenes we have professional people who are doing a huge amount of hard work and it is encouraging to see that this work has been recognised by the Football League.

“We have introduced a number of initiatives and projects which have been specifically targeted at encouraging families to be more involved with the club, and that will continue as we look to build one of the finest community stadiums in the country."

Chief operating officer Paul Douglas added: "Our 'Bright Sparks' initiative is designed at supporting schools and students in a variety of educational activities.

“The 'Enjoy the Match' campaign and the family interaction with our stadium announcer Richard Lee and mascot Miller Bear at our home games were one of many examples of why we were given the award."