Port Vale are proud to join clubs across the EFL in celebrating 20 Seasons of the EFL Family Excellence Scheme. This marks two decades of work to create welcoming, inclusive and memorable matchday experiences for families and young supporters.
Launched in 2006/07, the Scheme has played a central role in helping clubs inspire the next generation of supporters, bring families and generations together, strengthen community connections and support the continued growth of junior attendances across the League.
Every club plays its own part in the story of Family Excellence, and we're proud of the part we have played by enhancing the family experience at Vale Park.
Last season, we achieved Silver Status in the 2025/26 Family Excellence Awards, with our report showing clear commitment to making Vale Park a stadium supporters of all ages can enjoy.
The club scored 8 out of 10 on both 'mystery visits' to Vale Park, with our assessment highlighting "plentiful evidence of fantastic family engagement at Port Vale overall" and an "upward trajectory for several seasons".
We were praised for our pre and post-match communication, pocket money range in the Club Store, retail offering and attitude of staff, rising to 28th in the EFL following the publication of the assessments.
Speaking about the Award last season, Vale's Community & CSR Director, Will Turner, said: "To achieve silver accreditation again at Port Vale shows consistency in our work towards making families welcome at Port Vale on matchdays. Particularly with scores of 8 and 9 out of 10 across most areas, we are delighted with our progress.
"However, whilst the matchday accreditation is important, we are most proud of the continued positive feedback we get from families that attend games as well as the growth in families engaging with Port Vale FC and Port Vale FC Foundation all year round through our many community based initiatives and opportunities."
As part of this landmark anniversary season, the EFL will celebrate 20 Seasons of Family Excellence by showcasing further stories from clubs, supporters, families and staff who have all helped shape the Scheme’s success and continue to make matchdays welcoming for the next generation.
As ever, we welcome feedback from supporters on the matchday experience at Port Vale - please email feedback@port-vale.co.uk with your thoughts, opinions and suggestions as we look to continue improving Vale Park for supporters.
We are proud to be the EFL's community club.
